Lemon-Glazed Salmon with Caper Butter
Pan-seared salmon fillets with a tangy caper butter sauce and fresh lemon, served with a side of roasted vegetables. This american-inspired keto (gluten-free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 355 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp, drained capers
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp drained capers, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried dill, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the skillet.
- Step 5: Stir constantly for 1 minute until butter melts and sauce is well combined, then pour over salmon and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Glazed Salmon with Caper Butter take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Glazed Salmon with Caper Butter?
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-Glazed Salmon with Caper Butter?
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-Glazed Salmon with Caper Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Glazed Salmon with Caper Butter gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy recipe, and the flavors are incredible. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This salmon was perfectly cooked and the lemon-caper glaze was amazing. My keto diet friends loved it!
- ★★★★☆
The lemon glaze was a bit too tart for my taste, but the caper butter was perfect.
