Crispy Skillet Salmon with Lemon Caper Dill Sauce is a fresh and flavorful dinner recipe that covers all the flavor bases! This easy meal takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
Oh hey, saucy McDreamyton!
Crispy salmon is a staple in my life…I make it at least once a week, but often 2 to 3 times a week.
It is, in a word: bangarang.
Recently, I’ve been changing up my crispy salmon by adding fresh and funky sauces.
I love a good creamy sauce, but I keep it dairy-free using coconut milk. Adding lemon zest and juice and capers to a creamy sauce yields a marvelous tang to spruce up the meal.
Aside from the fact that this meal is crazy tasty and super quick and easy to make, the best part about it is it only requires a few basic ingredients. You may already have all of them on hand!
This is a great meal to prepare during the week when you’re wanting something fresh, filling and nourishing but don’t want to spend a huge amount of time slaving over the stove.
In addition, it is…
Recipe Highlights:
- Paleo
- Whole30
- Keto
- Low-Carb
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Bangin’ flavorful
- Crispy yet creamy and mouth-watering
Let’s make it and put it on repeat, shall we?
How to Make Crispy Salmon in a Skillet:
Use a paper towel to pat dry the salmon filets. Season with sea salt, dill, and paprika.
Heat the avocado oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon filets flesh side down, pressing them lightly so the entire surface of the flesh comes into contact with the pan. Sear, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden.
Flip salmon and sear on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes.
Again, flip the salmon and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet (coconut milk, lemon zest and juice, capers, and dill. Cook until salmon reaches desired done-ness and sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Taste the sauce for flavor and add sea salt and/or more lemon juice to taste.
Serve this salmon with lemon caper dill sauce with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Recipe Adaptations:
- If you prefer broiling the salmon, broil it in the oven under high heat for 12 to 15 minutes and prepare the sauce in a saucepan on the stovetop.
- Use fresh dill rather than dried dill if that’s your preference
- Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, olives, you name it!
- Slather it up with pesto sauce.
- Add any of your favorite herbs.
- You can finely chop vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, and/or broccoli and add it in when you add the sauce ingredients.
More Healthy Salmon Recipes:
That crispy creamy life…
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Crispy Skillet Salmon with Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce
A whole30 paleo keto dinner recipe of salmon with a delicious zesty caper cream sauce.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 to 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon, cut into fillets
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 2 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
For the Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce:
- 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice, to taste
- 3 Tbsp capers
- 2 tsp dried dill
Instructions
- Use a paper towel to pat dry the salmon filets. Season with sea salt, dill, and paprika.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place salmon fillets flesh side down, pressing them lightly so the entire surface of the flesh comes into contact with the pan. Sear, undisturbed, for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Flip salmon and sear on the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the salmon again and cook another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet (coconut milk, lemon zest and juice, capers and dill. Cook until salmon reaches desired done-ness and sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Taste the sauce for flavor and add sea salt and/or more lemon juice to taste.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1 of 4Amount Per Serving Calories 391Total Fat 26gUnsaturated Fat 0gCarbohydrates 2gSugar 1gProtein 36g

stephanie
Friday 8th of April 2022
absolutely amazing recipe. I loved the comment from Nancy so I made Broccoli and rice and extra sauce to serve over it all. It was a delicious meal. Thank you for a wonderful recipe.
Julia
Saturday 9th of April 2022
I thought that sounded great, too! So thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie! xo
Julie
Monday 21st of February 2022
OMG thank you!! This was delicious!! I can't wait to make it again and share it with friends and family! :)
Julia
Tuesday 22nd of February 2022
My pleasure, Julie! I'm so happy you like it! xoxoxo :D
Sara
Friday 18th of February 2022
This was so delicious and easy! I added roasted potatoes and Brussel sprouts as a side. Devine!
Julia
Sunday 20th of February 2022
Ooh, I love the idea of pairing it with potatoes and brussels! Sounds great! xoxox
Gloria
Tuesday 15th of February 2022
I can’t help myself.... my secret ingredient ANYTIME I’m making a cream sauce. Get ya some of them nutmeg BALLS, and grate a tiny bit into creamy stuff. Just a hint of nutmeg, It brings the flavor up in a most subtle manner! Enjoy! Gloria
Julia
Wednesday 16th of February 2022
OOOH, what an amazing idea!! I'm going to try this! Thank you, Gloria! xoxo
Claudia
Wednesday 12th of January 2022
Hi there! I’m trying your recipe but I don’t have coconut milk. Which is better to use in it’s place for this recipe? Coconut creme or heavy creme or just milk? Thanks!
Julia
Thursday 13th of January 2022
Hi Claudia! Heavy cream or coconut cream work great as replacements! With the coconut cream, you'll need to add a little water or broth based on your desired thickness. xo