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Keto pan-seared salmon with crispy skin and lemon dill butter

Crispy-skin salmon with lemon dill butter

Keto Pan-Seared Salmon

Keto Pan-Seared Salmon

15 minEasy

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

15 min

Servings

2

2 fillets

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Keto Pan-Seared Salmon

Crispy-skin salmon with lemon dill butter

Wild-caught salmon fillets seared to perfection with a crispy skin and topped with a bright lemon dill butter. A high-fat, zero-carb dinner ready in minutes.

5m

Prep Time

10m

Cook Time

15m

Total Time

2

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Main CourseGluten-FreeLow-CarbKetoPaleoHealthy
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 16, 2025(Updated April 13, 2026)

Pan-seared salmon is one of the fastest keto dinners you can make. The key is a screaming hot pan and dry skin, which produces a crackling crust that contrasts beautifully with the silky flesh inside.

Why This Recipe Works

Pressing the fillet flat for the first 30 seconds prevents curling and ensures even contact with the pan. The residual heat finishes cooking the center to a perfect medium.

Ingredients

  • 2 wild-caught salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

  • Makes doneness more repeatable
  • Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat salmon fillets completely dry. Season flesh side with salt and pepper.

  2. 2

    Heat avocado oil in a skillet over high heat until just smoking.

  3. 3

    Place fillets skin-side down and press gently with a spatula for 30 seconds. Cook 4 minutes until skin is crispy.

  4. 4

    Flip, reduce heat to medium, add butter, dill, lemon juice and zest. Baste salmon for 2-3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove when center is still slightly translucent for medium doneness. Spoon butter sauce over top.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal

  • Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side

  • Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation

Substitutions

SalmonArctic char or steelhead trout

Similar fat content and flavor profile

DillFresh tarragon or chives

Different herb flavor that pairs equally well with salmon

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use avocado oil for high-heat searing—olive oil will smoke and burn at these temperatures.

  • Let fillets come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Storage

Refrigerate leftover salmon for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 275°F oven for 8-10 minutes to avoid drying out.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (85mg) · 2 servings

Calories420
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein30g
Carbohydrates1g
Fat35g
Fiber280mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I remove the skin?
No, crispy salmon skin is delicious and full of healthy omega-3 fats.
How do I know when it is done?
The flesh should flake easily with a fork but still be slightly translucent in the center.

Explore More

More Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesLow-Carb RecipesKeto RecipesPaleo RecipesHealthy RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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