This pan-seared lemon dill salmon is the perfect quick and elegant weeknight dinner! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have crispy, golden salmon topped with a rich buttery lemon dill sauce in under 10 minutes.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with almost any side—making it a go-to recipe for both busy nights and special occasions.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super quick – ready in about 10 minutes
- Simple ingredients – nothing complicated
- Bright & fresh flavor – lemon, garlic, and dill shine
- Perfectly crispy – golden seared outside, tender inside
- Versatile – pairs with salads, veggies, pasta, or rice
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tbsp lemon zest
- 2–3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prep the salmon
Let salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Pat dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. - Heat the pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Let it melt and get hot. - Sear the salmon
Place salmon fillets skin-side up in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. - Flip and cook
Flip the salmon, reduce heat to medium, and cook another 4–6 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily (internal temp: 145°F / 63°C). - Make the sauce
Add remaining butter, garlic, and dill to the pan. Let butter melt and spoon over the salmon. - Finish with lemon
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest. - Serve
Let salmon rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the lemon dill butter sauce and garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
💡 Tips
- Use even-sized fillets for consistent cooking
- Make sure the pan is very hot for a perfect golden crust
- Don’t move the salmon while searing—it helps form that crispy top
- Fresh lemon and dill make a big difference in flavor
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet, air fryer, or microwave
- Freeze: Up to 2 months (wrap היטghtly for best results)
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Fresh green salad
- Rice or pasta salad
💬 This lemon dill salmon is light, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for a quick yet impressive meal!