This Salmon in Creamy Dill Sauce recipe delivers a quick, elegant meal in just 30 minutes. Pan-seared salmon gets a crisp exterior and tender inside, then is coated in a velvety sauce packed with garlic, onion, grated carrot, and fresh dill. The creamy, lightly tangy sauce is balanced by lemon juice and turmeric, lending a vibrant flavor that feels both homey and restaurant-worthy. It pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, or crusty bread—perfect for weeknight dinners or a low-effort “special” meal. Reliable, flavorful, and sure to please even picky eaters.
4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp sweet paprika
¼ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper (divided)
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 yellow onion, diced
1 carrot, peeled and grated
⅛ tsp ground turmeric
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup vegetable broth
¾ cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped (+ more for garnish)
Additional black pepper, to taste
Prep & season: Pat salmon dry. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Get onion diced, carrot grated, garlic minced, and dill chopped.
Sear salmon: Heat olive oil and butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium–high. Add salmon and cook about 3 minutes per side, or until crispy and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add carrot, garlic, and onion. Cook ~3 minutes until softened. Stir in turmeric, remaining salt & pepper.
Make sauce base: Sprinkle flour over veggies; stir until absorbed. Pour in vegetable broth, simmer for 1 minute to slightly thicken.
Finish sauce: Pour in heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in dill and lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add a splash more cream.
Combine & serve: Return salmon to the pan, spoon sauce over, and simmer 3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with extra dill and freshly ground pepper. Serve hot.
Calories: Approximately 481 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 33 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 499 mg