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Crispy Dad’s Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe with Easy Lemon Caper Butter Sauce

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A quick and easy pan-seared salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a tangy lemon caper butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces (170g) each, preferably wild-caught
  • Salt and black pepper, freshly ground
  • Olive oil, 2 tablespoons
  • Unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons, divided
  • Garlic, 1 clove, minced
  • Lemon juice, freshly squeezed from 1 lemon
  • Capers, 2 tablespoons, drained
  • Fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon dry using paper towels to thoroughly dry the skin and flesh. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press down lightly with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip the salmon carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness (internal temperature about 125°F / 52°C). Adjust time for thickness or preferred doneness.
  5. While the salmon cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in lemon juice and capers, then remove from heat.
  6. Remove salmon from pan and let rest for a minute. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet with leftover salmon juices, swirling to melt. Pour this butter over the salmon, then spoon the lemon caper sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Ensure salmon is thoroughly dried before cooking to achieve crispy skin. Use a hot pan and do not move the fish until ready to flip. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon, lemon caper butter sauce, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, seafood

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/crispy-dads-pan-seared-salmon-recipe-with-easy-lemon-caper-butter-sauce/