Quick Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill

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

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Salmon fillets seared to crispy skin perfection and topped with a bright dill sauce, ready in 17 minutes. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 17 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, lemon, dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet; cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove salmon and keep warm. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in 2 tbsp butter, lemon juice, and 1 tbsp dill until emulsified. Pour sauce over salmon and garnish with remaining 1 tbsp dill.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Pan-Seared Salmon with 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 Quick Pan-Seared Salmon with 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 Quick Pan-Seared Salmon with 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 Quick Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill 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 Quick Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill?

American seafood 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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