Lemon-Dill Sear-Salmon with Capers
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with bright lemon and dill, finished with briny capers for a restaurant-quality keto meal in under 20 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, high-protein) ready in about 17 minutes pairs (170g) per serving salmon fillets, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 6 oz (170g) per serving salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 2 tbsp capers
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until edges turn opaque and skin is golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip salmon, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder to the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until salmon reaches 125°F internally and edges are crisp.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet, leaving pan drippings. Add capers and remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice to skillet, stirring for 1 minute until capers sizzle. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped dill until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Spoon sauce over salmon immediately, garnish with extra dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Sear-Salmon with Capers take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Sear-Salmon with 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Sear-Salmon with 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 Sear-Salmon with 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 Sear-Salmon with Capers keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
