Crispy pan seared salmon with fried caper vinaigrette is a restaurant quality dish that comes together in minutes!
What to serve it with
- CREAMY FENNEL AND CUCUMBER SALAD
- CRISPY KALE AND AVOCADO CAESAR SALAD
- BRUSSELS SPROUTS, BACON AND APPLE SLAW
- CORN SALAD WITH CREAMY DILL DRESSING
- SUMMER SUCCOTASH
- ROASTED CABBAGE WITH BACON AND BALSAMIC
Crispy Pan Seared Salmon With Fried Caper Vinaigrette
Crispy pan seared salmon with fried caper vinaigrette is a restaurant quality dish that comes together in minutes!
Servings:4
Equipment:
- Cast iron, stainless steel, or non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin on, 1 inch thick
- salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado or grapeseed oil
Fried Caper Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup capers, drained. Pat dry with a paper towel
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, fresh sqeezed
- 1 1/2 tsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp finely grated garlic, approximately 2 small cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
Fried Caper Vinaigrette
- Mix together lemon juice, honey, garlic and dill. Reserve olive oil and capers separately. Set everything aside while you prepare the salmon.
Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add 2 tbsp. of oil to a cast iron, stainless steal or non-stick skillet. Heat oil over high heat until shimmering. Turn heat down to medium-low. Add one fillet at at time, carefully, pressing each fillet gently but firmly with a spatula for 10 seconds before adding the next fillet. Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Continue cooking for approximately 5 minutes for one inch thick fillets, or until salmon looks pink almost all the way through. Keep an eye on the skin and lower the heat if it's getting too dark.
- Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula and a fork and cook flesh side down for one minute. Cook until quick read thermometer reads 120 degrees F. or until flesh looks still moist and bright pink inside. Check by separating the flesh with 2 forks or by squeezing the sides with your fingers to check for flakiness. Remember the salmon will continue cooking as it rests.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Repeat with any remaining fillets. Let salmon rest while you finish the vinaigrette.
- In a small frying pan heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add drained capers, careful as they may spatter. Fry until turning lightly golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add the fried capers plus all the oil to the lemon juice mixture. Stir to combine.
- Pour vinaigrette over salmon fillets or serve on the side.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.
- Leftover salmon is ideal flaked onto salads the next day. Or you can reheat in a pan over medium heat. Skin side down for a few minutes then flip and heat the other side for one minute or less.
- Substitute green olives for capers and omit the frying step.
Excellent Andrea, definitely restaurant quality!!!
Decided to try this recipe after watching the cooking episode with you and Gina. Turned out perfectly thanks to your tips of when to turn the salmon over. Flavors where great and restaurant quality. Followed the recipe exactly.
I have never been a fan of capers, but everytime I have ever used them has been straight from the jar. My initial attraction to this recipe was the technique for cooking the salmon--I love salmon but my preparation is generally hit or miss with the crispy skin and doneness. I decided to prepare the recipe complete with the sauce; at least for this first time. It really was delicious. The salmon and its skin was perfect with the actual salmon not too rare, but definitely not overcooked and crispy skin that stayed crispy even surrounded by sauce. Cooking the capers was a game-changer. I am having leftovers for breakfast this morning.
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! It makes for a delicious breakfast as well! Enjoy!
Andrea, I must say I have never had salmon tasting soooo good. Thank you 🙂
Can’t wait to try this! Can I use rainbow trout?
Yes absolutely! The cooking time will likely be less as trout fillets are usually thinner. Using a quick read thermometer will ensure cooking it perfectly 👌 Enjoy!