Surface Pan-Seared Salmon

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a golden crust, served with a lemon-dill sauce that mirrors the sleek design of Microsoft's Surface devices. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Olive oil, Lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, then transfer to a plate.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped dill, then add 2 tbsp butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour sauce over salmon and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Surface Pan-Seared Salmon 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 Surface Pan-Seared Salmon?

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 Surface Pan-Seared Salmon?

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 Surface Pan-Seared Salmon 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 Surface Pan-Seared Salmon?

American one pot 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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