Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Dill Salmon is a bright, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of fresh dill, lemon, and garlic butter creates a deliciously rich sauce that complements the tender salmon beautifully.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon filets (approx. 6 oz. each, 1 inch thick)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tbsp lemon zest
• 2-3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Allow the salmon to sit out for about 10 minutes to come to room temperature. Pat dry with a paper towel, then season evenly with sea salt, cracked pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Step 2: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it warm. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt until hot and bubbling.
3. Step 3: When the butter is hot, place the salmon filets skin side up in the skillet. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until the salmon releases easily and is golden brown.
4. Step 4: Flip the salmon, reduce heat to medium, and cook another 4-6 minutes until opaque and flaky. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
5. Step 5: During the last few minutes, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and chopped dill. Let the butter melt completely, then spoon the sauce over the salmon. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.
6. Step 6: Remove salmon from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pour the lemon dill butter sauce over the top and garnish with extra lemon zest or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill can be substituted in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
• To add a touch of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal balanced and fresh.
• For an oven-finished version, sear the salmon and then bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes instead of stove-top cooking.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Use leftovers in salads or sandwiches for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for brightness, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Adjust quantity to taste to avoid overpowering the dish.

Lemon Dill Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 57 reviews

This Lemon Dill Salmon recipe delivers perfectly seared salmon filets with a flavorful lemon dill butter sauce. Pan-seared to achieve a golden, crispy crust and tender, flaky interior, the salmon is enhanced by fresh dill, garlic, and zesty lemon for a light yet rich seafood dish ideal for an elegant dinner or quick meal.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Seasoning

• 4 salmon filets (approx. 6 oz. each, 1 inch thick)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Lemon Dill Butter Sauce

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
• 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tbsp lemon zest
• 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Salmon: Allow the salmon to come to room temperature by letting it sit out for about 10 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel and season evenly with sea salt, cracked pepper, and garlic powder to ensure good flavor and even cooking.
2. Heat Skillet and Butter: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt completely and bubble, indicating the pan is hot enough for searing.
3. Sear Salmon Skin Side Up: Place the salmon filets skin side up into the hot skillet without moving them. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the salmon releases easily from the pan and the surface is golden brown and crispy.
4. Flip and Cook Through: Carefully flip the salmon over, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.
5. Add Butter, Dill, and Garlic: During the last few minutes of cooking, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, chopped fresh dill, and minced garlic to the pan. Let the butter melt fully and spoon the melted butter and herbs over the salmon to infuse flavor.
6. Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest into the butter sauce. This adds brightness and acidity to complement the rich salmon.
7. Rest and Serve: Transfer salmon to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with the lemon dill butter sauce spooned over the top and garnish with extra lemon zest and optionally fresh parsley and lemon slices. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Notes

• Allowing salmon to sit out briefly before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
• Do not disturb the salmon while searing to achieve a crispy crust.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
• Fresh dill and lemon juice brighten the richness of the butter.
• Leftover salmon can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Keywords: Lemon Dill Salmon, Pan-seared Salmon, Salmon with Lemon Butter, Easy Salmon Recipe, Healthy Salmon Dish