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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe with 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 fresh lemon dill butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces (170g) each
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Fresh lemon juice from 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but is not smoking.
  3. Place the salmon skin-side down in the skillet. Press lightly with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is just opaque in the center (about 125°F/52°C internal temperature).
  5. Remove the salmon from the skillet and rest on a warm plate covered loosely with foil.
  6. Lower heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped dill. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Spoon the lemon dill butter sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Use medium-high heat and do not flip the salmon too soon to avoid tearing the skin. Add butter after salmon is mostly cooked to prevent burning. Fresh dill is preferred but frozen or dried dill can be used as substitutes. Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain texture.

Nutrition

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