Description

This delicious Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a rich, smooth sauce made from heavy cream, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and lemon juice. The salmon is cooked skin-side down to achieve a crispy texture, then combined with a luxurious dill sauce that enhances the delicate flavors of the fish. An elegant, restaurant-worthy meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Creamy Dill Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt and foam, creating an ideal cooking surface.
Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes or until the skin becomes crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a plate and cover lightly with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Dijon mustard. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the Dill: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the chopped fresh dill and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors smoothly.
Return the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning the creamy dill sauce over them. Let everything warm together for about one minute to meld the flavors.
Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and salmon, adjusting salt and black pepper as needed to suit your palate.
Garnish: Optionally, garnish the dish with lemon slices for a bright and fresh presentation before serving.

Notes

For crispier skin, ensure the salmon fillets are very dry before seasoning and cooking.
You can substitute dried dill if fresh is unavailable, but fresh dill provides the best flavor.
Serve this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Adjust the heaviness of the sauce by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.