Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 🍋🐟Golden-Crisped Salmon with Bright Citrus and Herb Lift

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill is a simple classic done right — skin-on fillets crisped in a hot pan, basted with butter, and finished with lemon and fresh dill.

It’s rich but clean, fast but elegant, and designed to let the quality of the fish shine.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 salmon fillets, skin-on (6 oz each)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed (optional)
• Juice of ½ lemon + a few thin slices
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Optional: lemon zest for extra brightness

Instructions

Prep the Salmon

Pat salmon very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temp for 10 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Sear Skin-Side Down

Heat olive oil in a nonstick or stainless skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place salmon skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to keep skin flat. Cook 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp and salmon is mostly opaque.

Flip and Baste

Flip the salmon. Add butter, smashed garlic (if using), and lemon slices. Spoon the melted butter over the fish repeatedly for 1–2 minutes until just cooked through.

Finish With Lemon and Dill

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle with chopped dill and lemon zest if desired. Remove from heat and let rest 1 minute before serving.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of white wine or capers to the pan butter
• Use tarragon, parsley, or chives if dill isn’t your thing
• Swap lemon for orange or grapefruit for a twist
• Add Dijon mustard to the butter for a tangy finish

Serving Ideas

• With roasted baby potatoes and asparagus
• Over garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb plate
• Flaked over a salad with arugula and vinaigrette
• On a bed of couscous or farro with roasted vegetables
• Next to rice pilaf with sautéed spinach or green beans

Pro Tips

• Dry salmon = crispier skin
• Start skin-side down and don’t move it — that’s how you get the crust
• Use a fish spatula or thin metal turner for easy flipping
• Salmon is done when it flakes easily and still glistens in the center

Final Thoughts

Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill is bright, buttery, and reliable. It balances rich, crisped salmon with zesty citrus and fresh herbs — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a plated main with elegance and ease.

Sear clean. Spoon butter. Serve fresh. 🍋🐟🔥

🦐 Explore More Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
🧀 Comforting Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, cheesy bakes with crab, shrimp, or scallops.
🥣 Warm and Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick and delicious mains like garlic butter tilapia.
🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light yet flavorful options like grilled mahi mahi with salsa.
🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy rice dishes with seared scallops and fresh veg.
🌊 Seafood Stews – Hearty, rustic stews from the Mediterranean and beyond.