Pan Seared Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce
This Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to make at home. The salmon fillets are seared to crispy, golden perfection while keeping the inside tender and flaky. They are served with a rich, tangy, and herbaceous creamy dill sauce, made with a blend of sour cream or yogurt, fresh dill, garlic, and a hint of lemon juice. The combination of the savory salmon and the refreshing sauce makes for a balanced and flavorful meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
2 to 3 pounds salmon fillets, sliced into portion sizes (6 to 8 portions)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Light olive oil (for cooking)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the salmon:
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Dredge each salmon fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
Cook the salmon:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of light olive oil.
Once hot, place the breaded salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drizzle with lemon juice.
Make the creamy dill sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), melted butter, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until well combined.
Serve:
Plate the pan-seared salmon and drizzle the creamy dill sauce over the top.
Garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired.
Notes and Tips
Salmon Preparation:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a crispy sear.
Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
For even cooking, let the salmon come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Pan Searing Tips:
Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan for best results.
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Creamy Dill Sauce:
Ingredients: Sour cream, Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche, chopped fresh dill, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt.
Make the sauce ahead and chill it for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Flavor Enhancements:
Add a pinch of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra tang.
Stir in a little honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
This dish pairs well with grains like rice, quinoa, or farro.
Storage:
Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat salmon gently in a skillet to maintain texture, and serve the sauce chilled or at room temperature.
This Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce is an easy yet elegant meal, offering a perfect balance of rich, crispy salmon and a refreshing, herby sauce.