Sear-Roasted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

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

Salmon fillets seared to perfection and finished with a bright lemon-dill sauce, ready in 23 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 23 minutes pairs salmon fillets, lemon, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 315 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 13 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 315 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until smoking slightly.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and sear for 4 minutes until skin is crisp. Flip and cook 3 minutes more.
  3. Step 3: Transfer skillet to preheated 400°F oven and roast for 6 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While salmon roasts, whisk cream, chopped dill, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Stir into skillet after removing salmon, simmering for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Divide salmon among plates, spoon sauce over top, and garnish with lemon slices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sear-Roasted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 23 minutes (10 min prep + 13 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 Sear-Roasted Salmon with Lemon-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 Sear-Roasted Salmon with Lemon-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 Sear-Roasted Salmon with Lemon-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 Sear-Roasted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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