Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Fresh Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet elegant dinner featuring flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection and elevated with a zesty garlic-herb sauce. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon, pour garlic-infused oil over it, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and 2 thin lemon slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Fresh Herbs?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Fresh Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Fresh Herbs low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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