Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Caper Butter and Garlic Spinach

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

Crisp-skinned salmon fillets topped with a tangy lemon-caper butter served alongside tender, garlicky sautéed spinach. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, unsalted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets with skin on and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes more until salmon is just cooked through. Remove from pan and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tbsp drained capers, cooking for 1 minute until butter sauce is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 8 cups fresh spinach to the garlic, tossing gently and cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Season with a pinch of salt.
  6. Step 6: Serve each salmon fillet topped with lemon-caper butter alongside a generous portion of garlic spinach.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Caper Butter and Garlic Spinach 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Caper Butter and Garlic Spinach?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Caper Butter and Garlic Spinach?

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 Lemon-Caper Butter and Garlic Spinach 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Caper Butter and Garlic Spinach?

Mediterranean 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.

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