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Crispy Skin Pan-Seared Salmon with Tangy Caper Butter Sauce

crispy skin pan-seared salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy pan-seared salmon recipe featuring perfectly crispy skin and a nutty, tangy brown butter caper sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 55 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and wait until it shimmers but does not smoke (2-3 minutes).
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press down gently with a spatula for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp.
  4. Flip the fillets gently using tongs or a fish spatula. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and slightly springy.
  5. Transfer the salmon to a warm plate, loosely tent with foil, and let rest while making the sauce.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet and stir continuously as it melts and foams. Cook until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3 to 4 minutes).
  7. Add capers and lemon juice to the brown butter. Stir to combine and let bubble gently for 30 seconds.
  8. Spoon the warm caper butter sauce over the salmon fillets. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Use medium-high heat and do not move the fillets until the skin forms a crust. Stir butter constantly when browning to avoid burning. Let salmon rest before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon skin, caper butter sauce, quick salmon recipe, healthy dinner, seafood

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/crispy-skin-pan-seared-salmon-recipe-with-tangy-caper-butter-sauce-easy-and-perfect/