Pan-Seared Salmon with Capers and Dill
Salmon fillets seared to crisp perfection with a bright caper-dill sauce for a quick, elegant dinner. This american-inspired seafood (keto) ready in about 15 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, drained capers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp, drained capers
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
- Step 5: Transfer salmon to a plate, then add 1 tbsp capers and 1 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Spoon caper-dill sauce over salmon and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Capers and Dill take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Capers and Dill?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Capers and Dill?
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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Capers and Dill 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Capers and Dill keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Perfect seafood recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.