Description
Succulent salmon fillets bathed in a luscious lemon-dill sauce bring Mediterranean elegance to your dinner table. Rich, tangy flavors and delicate herbs create a sophisticated dish that promises to elevate your culinary experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), skinless or skin-on
Aromatic Herbs and Seasonings:
- ¼ small bunch fresh dill
- 1 small shallot
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare ingredients by finely dicing the shallot, crushing garlic cloves into small pieces, carefully zesting the entire lemon surface, and delicately chopping fresh dill fronds.
- Season salmon fillets generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering, carefully place seasoned salmon with the skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Gently flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until fish reaches desired internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove salmon from skillet and set aside on a warm plate, keeping the flavorful fond in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt unsalted butter, then add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the aromatics, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning.
- Gradually pour half-and-half and chicken broth into the pan, whisking consistently to develop a silky, lump-free sauce.
- Incorporate freshly grated lemon zest, tangy lemon juice, and chopped dill, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Carefully return salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets and allowing them to simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.
- Plate the salmon, generously coating with the creamy herb sauce, and garnish with delicate lemon slices for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are evenly cut for consistent cooking.
- Sear salmon at medium-high heat to create a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and moist.
- Grate lemon zest before juicing to maximize flavor extraction and add brightness to the creamy sauce.
- Use fresh dill for a vibrant, herbaceous taste that complements the richness of the salmon and half-and-half.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more broth or half-and-half to achieve desired thickness and creaminess.
- Serve immediately after simmering to preserve the salmon’s delicate texture and the sauce’s optimal temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg