Craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy dinner? Look no further! This pan-fried salmon with a vibrant lemon-dill sauce is the perfect recipe for a weeknight meal. It's ready in under 20 minutes, requires minimal cleanup, and boasts a flavor profile that's both sophisticated and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners!
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
For the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon dry: This crucial step ensures crispy skin (if using skin-on fillets) and even cooking. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the salmon fillets.
- Season generously: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
Cooking the Salmon:
- Sear the salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes, undisturbed, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip and cook: Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. For thicker fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
- Remove from heat: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
Making the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- Melt the butter: In the same skillet (no need to clean!), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze the pan (optional): If using white wine, add it to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two until slightly reduced. If omitting the wine, proceed to the next step.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients: Stir in the lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to slightly thicken.
Serving:
Spoon the delicious lemon-dill sauce generously over the pan-fried salmon fillets. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the salmon in batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Customize your sauce: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature sauce. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or substitute chives for dill.
- Add some zest: A little lemon zest in the sauce adds an extra layer of brightness and flavor.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy and healthy pan-fried salmon recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The bright and flavorful lemon-dill sauce complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. Enjoy!