Pan-Seared Salmon with Irish Butter and Dill Sauce

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

Fresh salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy golden perfection, served with a tangy dill and Irish butter sauce. This irish-inspired st. patrick’s day ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, skin on, salt, black pepper, freshly ground for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Irish cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate. Reduce heat to medium-low, add 4 tablespoons Irish unsalted butter and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Stir butter and garlic until melted and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the dill butter sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately with steamed vegetables or boiled potatoes.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Irish Butter and Dill Sauce?

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 Irish Butter and Dill Sauce?

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 Irish Butter and Dill Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Irish Butter and Dill Sauce?

Irish st. patrick’s day like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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