Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Cream
Recipe
Contemporary

Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill Cream

Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 people
Date Night Dinner Party

The Story

A guest once asked me where to find the best salmon in town. I sent him to three places. He came back disappointed with all of them. The next day, I brought him this recipe written on hotel stationery.

Ingredients

For the salmon

  • 2 salmon fillets, skin-on
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the dill cream

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 shallot, minced

Instructions

  1. Prep the fish: Pat salmon dry. Score the skin in a crosshatch pattern. Season both sides.

  2. Sear the salmon: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high. Place salmon skin-side down. Press gently for 30 seconds to prevent curling. Cook 4-5 minutes without moving.

  3. Flip and finish: Flip carefully. Cook 2-3 minutes more for medium.

  4. Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté shallot. Add cream and dill. Simmer 2 minutes. Add lemon juice.

  5. Serve: Spoon sauce over salmon. Serve immediately.

Notes

The secret to crispy skin is patience — don’t flip too early. Let the skin release naturally from the pan.