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4.85 from 26 votes

Lemon Dill Pan Fried Salmon

This Lemon Dill Pan Fried Salmon really is simplicity at its best. In 20 minutes you can have this incredibly delicious lemon dill salmon that requires only a handful of ingredients!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound salmon skinless, cut into 4 fillets
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper or to taste
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoon dill fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • Prep Salmon: Take out the salmon fillet 15 minutes prior to cooking. Pat dry the salmon fillets using a paper towel or a clean dish towel. This will prevent them from sticking to the skillet.
  • Heat Oil: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Use a cast iron skillet or a stainless steel skillet. Add the olive oil and butter and heat until butter melts and starts to bubble. Make sure the oil and butter coats the entire surface of the skillet.
  • Season Fillets: Season the salmon with salt and pepper just before adding to the hot skillet, then add the fillets to the pan. If using fillets with skin, place skin-side down first. I usually can add all 4 fillets at once and my skillet is 10 1/4 inches in diameter.
  • Cook: Cook the fillets for about 6 to 7 minutes for the first side. The first side takes the longest to cook. As the fish cooks you'll notice the color of the fillet will begin to lighten, starting at the bottom. 
  • Finish: Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 3 minutes on the other side. When you try to flip the fillets if they don't release easily, cook for another minute until they release. The salmon is done cooking when it looks opaque. Remove from heat.
  • Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the salmon with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and garnish with lots of dill. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Bring the salmon to room temperature before cooking the fillets. If cold fish is added to a hot pan, the fillet will seize up and will cook unevenly. Taking the fish out of the fridge about 15 minutes prior to cooking is ideal.
  2. Pat down the salmon with paper towels to dry before actually adding the salmon to the skillet. If the fillets are moist or wet they are more likely to stick to the pan.
  3. Make sure your skillet is really hot before cooking and then keep the heat to a medium-high.
  4. Don't try to flip the salmon if it's sticking. When the salmon is cooked, it will release from the pan and you can easily flip it.
  5. Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  6. You can also freeze this salmon! Pop it in an airtight container and store in the freezer for 4 – 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and heat back up in the oven when ready to eat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 250kcal | Protein: 22g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 555mg | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 2.9mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.9mg