What Was Best Pan-Seared Salmon
This salmon dish is the best you've made this week—no 'the' required. Sear it to perfection with lemon and herbs for a meal that's simply the best. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Zest 1 lemon, then cut it into thin wedges.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Place salmon skin-side down in the pan, pressing gently to ensure even contact with the skillet.
- Step 3: Cook for 4 minutes without moving until skin is golden and crisp. Flip salmon, add 1 minced garlic clove and 2 tbsp fresh dill to the pan, then squeeze 1/2 the lemon juice over the fillets. Cook for 3-4 more minutes until the salmon is medium and flakes easily with a fork.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does What Was Best Pan-Seared Salmon take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 What Was Best Pan-Seared Salmon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in What Was Best 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 What Was Best 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 What Was Best Pan-Seared Salmon?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 8-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
