Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & Capers
Salmon fillets seared to crisp perfection and topped with a bright dill-caper sauce. This scandinavian-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillets, avocado oil, capers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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
- 12 oz salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp capers
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook 4 more minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Transfer salmon to a plate and keep warm. Add 2 tbsp capers and 2 tbsp fresh dill to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds to release flavor.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and cook for 1 minute until sauce reduces slightly. Spoon sauce over salmon fillets immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & 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 salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Dill & Capers?
Scandinavian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
