Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Capers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill crust, topped with golden-crisp capers and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a restaurant-quality keto dinner. This scandinavian-inspired keto (high-protein) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) Salmon fillets, finely chopped Dill, medium, zested and juiced Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Scandinavian cuisine 385 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Place salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 3-4 minutes until skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon, add remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet, and spoon the dill-lemon mixture evenly over the top. Cook for 4-5 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add capers and cook for 1-2 minutes until they pop and become crisp. Spoon capers over salmon and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Capers take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Capers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Capers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Capers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Dill Salmon with Crispy Capers high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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