Pan-Seared Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce

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

Rich smoked salmon pan-seared to crisp edges, served with a bright dill sauce made from fresh herbs and citrus. This scandinavian-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs smoked salmon, fresh dill, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Scandinavian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 8 oz smoked salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until skin is crisp and edges turn golden.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1/2 juiced lemon, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 1 more minute, then transfer to a plate and drizzle with dill sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Smoked Salmon with 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 Smoked Salmon with 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 Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce 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 Smoked Salmon with Dill Sauce 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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