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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe with Easy Creamy Dill Cucumber Sauce

crispy pan-seared salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy pan-seared salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a cool, creamy dill cucumber sauce that balances the rich fish perfectly. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 oz (170 g) each
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
  • ½ medium cucumber, peeled and finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, especially the skin side. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Let rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Peel and grate the cucumber. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
  3. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic if using. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add olive or avocado oil. Heat until hot but not smoking.
  5. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Press lightly with a spatula for about 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crisp and fish releases easily.
  6. Flip the salmon and cook the flesh side for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness (about 125°F or 52°C internal temperature). Remove from heat and let rest for a minute.
  7. Serve salmon with creamy dill cucumber sauce spooned generously over or alongside.

Notes

Pat salmon skin very dry before cooking to ensure crispiness. Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even heat distribution. Do not overcrowd the pan and flip salmon only once. Squeeze excess water from cucumber to avoid watery sauce. Let salmon rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy. Medium-high heat is ideal to crisp skin without burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon skin, creamy dill cucumber sauce, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-pan-seared-salmon-recipe-with-easy-creamy-dill-cucumber-sauce/