Everything Salmon With Creamy Caper Sauce

Published Aug. 1, 2024

Prep & Cook Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

Description

A bold, crispy-skin salmon dish infused with everything-bagel seasoning, paired with a silky creamy caper sauce. The tangy capers balance the savory crust, while the bright lemon and tender tomato-onion topping elevate the dish to restaurant-quality.

Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced

  • 1 lemon (zest and juice reserved)

  • Salt (to taste)

  • 4 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., avocado or grapeseed oil)

  • 2 medium beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes, halved and thinly sliced

  • ⅓ cup everything seasoning (homemade or store-bought; see tip)

  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, patted dry)

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 2 tablespoons drained capers (from brine) + 2 tablespoons caper brine (plus extra capers for garnish)

Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning (Optional)

Mix 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, 1 tablespoon onion granules, and 1 tablespoon garlic granules. Substitute garlic/onion granules as desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onion-Tomato Topping

  • In a medium bowl, cover sliced red onion with cold water. Swish to rinse, drain, and repeat rinsing once more to mellow sharpness (1–2 minutes total).

  • Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon neutral oil. Massage onions with hands until soft and slightly pink (2–3 minutes).

  • Fold in sliced tomatoes, toss gently, and adjust salt to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

  • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season skinless sides with salt, then dip those sides into everything seasoning until evenly coated. Leave skin portion unseasoned.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

  • Heat 3 tablespoons neutral oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat until shimmering (1–2 minutes).

  • Place fillets skin-side down; sear 4–5 minutes until skin is golden, crisp, and releases easily. Adjust heat to medium-low if skin sticks.

  • Flip fillets, sear seasoned side down 2–3 minutes until flesh is opaque. Lift occasionally to check seasoning (avoid burning). Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Caper Sauce

  • Wipe skillet clean, return to low heat. Add cream cheese, drained capers, 2 tablespoons brine, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 3 tablespoons water.

  • Stir with a silicone spatula for 3–4 minutes until smooth and creamy (no lumps). Taste and adjust salt or brine if needed.

Step 5: Assemble

  • Spoon sauce onto plates, top with seared salmon. Arrange onion-tomato topping beside the fish. Garnish with extra capers and lemon zest.

Expert Tips

  • Searing Salmon: Ensure skillet is bone-dry and preheated to prevent sticking. Use medium-low heat to avoid burning the everything seasoning.

  • Sauce Consistency: If too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons water; if too thin, simmer 1–2 minutes longer.

  • Substitutions: Olive oil can be used but swap for neutral oil to avoid smoking; skinless salmon works but crispy texture may vary.

Customer Reviews

  • “Don’t try white fish! Gray cod is a fail. Five stars for how it should taste.”

  • “Baked at 350°F for 18–20 minutes with TJ’s seasoning. Served with greens and sauce—delicious alternative to searing.”

  • “Leftover salmon + cooled sauce = perfect bagel topper! Repeat this recipe!”

  • “Skinless salmon still crispy! Critical: Don’t skip lemon in the sauce—it prevents saltiness.”

  • “Heavenly and easy! Skip olive oil (it fumes). Pan-seared as directed—fantastico.”

Enjoy the crispy-skin, creamy-sauce harmony of this showstopper!