Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

pan seared salmon with lemon and capers

(3 ratings)
Recipe by
Martha Ray Deen
Charlotte, NC

My cast iron skillet gets "happy" when I cook this for the family!

(3 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Pan Fry

Ingredients For pan seared salmon with lemon and capers

  • 4
    fresh salmon fillets (1 inch thick, skin on)
  • 1/2 md
    lemon, de-seeded
  • 1 tsp
    fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tsp
    onion powder
  • 1 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1 tsp
    celery salt
  • 1 tsp
    paprika
  • 2 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp
    capers, jarred in a liquid
  • 1 dash
    fresh ground pepper
  • 4 slice
    fresh lemon for garnish

How To Make pan seared salmon with lemon and capers

  • 1
    Using FRESH salmon fillets, place skin side down on a plate to apply marinade. If you have large fillets, you may prepare two fillets and slice serving portions AFTER cooking.
  • 2
    In a small bowl, combine pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and paprika. Stir together to combine.
  • 3
    Squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon over fillets then sprinkle seasoning mixture over fillets. Let sit for at least five minutes while oil heats.
  • 4
    Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes (a cast iron skillet works best).
  • Cast-iron seared salmon
    5
    Place marinated fillets flesh side down into hot oil, then turn heat up to high/medium-high, depending on your stove settings. (Oil should be popping/bubbling when fillets are placed into oiled skillet). Cook for 3-4 minutes (flesh side should be browned), then turn fillets over. Place 1/2 tablespoon jarred capers over each fillet (or 1 tablespoon each if large fillets) and sprinkle lightly with pepper. Lower heat to medium and continue to cook for approximately 5 minutes or until fish flakes easily. (Do not overcook, salmon cooks quickly).
  • Pan Seared Salmon with Capers and Lemon
    6
    Remove salmon from skillet and garnish with a lemon slice. (Cut slice halfway to center and twist for the effect shown in the picture). Garnish plate with more capers if desired.
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