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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/lemon-dill-salmon-recipe/