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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe Easy Lemon Dill Butter Sauce

crispy pan-seared salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy pan-seared salmon with a bright and creamy lemon dill butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each, preferably wild-caught
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • Juice of 1 fresh lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil. Let it shimmer but not smoke. (3 minutes)
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. (2 minutes)
  4. Cook without moving for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy and the edges look opaque. (5-6 minutes)
  5. Flip the fillets gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the flesh is slightly translucent in the center. (2-3 minutes)
  6. While the salmon cooks, prepare the lemon dill butter by mixing 3 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl. Stir until combined. (5 minutes)
  7. Transfer salmon to plates and spoon a generous dollop of lemon dill butter over each fillet. Serve immediately. (1 minute)

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry before cooking to ensure crispiness. Use a hot pan and do not move the fillets until the skin naturally releases. For thicker fillets, finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 3-4 minutes after searing. Leftovers can be reheated skin-side down in a skillet to maintain crispiness. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon, lemon dill butter, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe