Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Dill

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

Salmon filets seared until crisp and topped with a rich garlic butter and fresh dill sauce that enhances the natural flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 17 minutes pairs salmon filets, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon filets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and releases easily from the pan.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until just cooked through (opaque in the center).
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir butter continuously for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Spoon the garlic butter and dill over the salmon.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with 2 lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to add bright acidity.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Dill take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Butter and Dill?

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 Butter and Dill?

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 Butter and Dill 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 Butter and Dill gluten free?

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

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