Enjoy crispy Everything Salmon topped with a luscious creamy caper sauce. A delicious, easy dinner that combines everything bagel seasoning and tangy capers for an unforgettable flavor.
Crafted to perfection, this Everything Salmon with Creamy Caper Sauce recipe brings together the delightful crunch of “everything bagel” seasoning with a rich, tangy caper sauce. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this salmon dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to elevate your salmon game.
Introduction
Imagine taking your favorite everything bagel seasoning and applying it to a juicy salmon filet. Paired with a creamy, tangy caper sauce, this dish combines crunchy, savory seasoning with the rich flavor of salmon and a sauce that perfectly complements each bite. It’s a fresh, healthy take on a dinner classic, bringing restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. Plus, with its quick cook time and minimal ingredients, it’s an easy choice for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.
Everything Salmon with Creamy Caper Sauce Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon filets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
- 2-3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Caper Sauce
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Everything Salmon with Creamy Caper Sauce Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning adhere better.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remember that everything bagel seasoning has salt, so use sparingly.
- Press everything bagel seasoning onto the flesh side of the salmon filets, ensuring an even coating.
Sear the Salmon
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, place the salmon filets in the pan, seasoning side down.
- Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the salmon carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Transfer the salmon to a plate and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Creamy Caper Sauce
See below for details.
Creamy Caper Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp capers, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, if using (for a fresh, herbaceous note)
- Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Taste and adjust the lemon or salt levels as needed. Serve alongside or drizzled over the salmon.
Everything Salmon with Creamy Caper Sauce: Serving Suggestions
Pair this flavorful Everything Salmon with a side that complements the dish’s tangy and savory profile:
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a nice texture.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the salmon over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
- Simple Mixed Greens Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the dish’s savory richness.
Tips for Perfect Everything Salmon
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Pat Dry for Extra Crispiness: Removing excess moisture from the salmon helps the seasoning stick and the crust to become crispy.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best served medium-rare to medium, depending on preference. It should be opaque on the outside and slightly translucent in the center.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the salmon rest for a minute or two allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
Fun Facts About Everything Salmon with Creamy Caper Sauce
- Ancient Favorite: Salmon has been enjoyed by humans for over 10,000 years, with archaeological evidence of its consumption by early civilizations.
- Heart-Healthy Fish: Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Everything Bagel Origin: Everything bagel seasoning became popular in the 1980s, credited to an enterprising bagel worker in New York.
- Seasoning Versatility: Everything bagel seasoning is not just for bagels! It’s widely used on avocado toast, eggs, salads, and even popcorn.
- Baked vs. Pan-Seared Salmon: Pan-searing salmon helps lock in its natural oils, creating a juicier filet than baking alone.
- Salmon Colors: Wild salmon’s color comes from its diet rich in carotenoids, while farmed salmon is often fed a supplement to achieve the same hue.
- Two Types of Salmon: Atlantic salmon is mainly farmed, while Pacific salmon is wild-caught, each offering slightly different flavors.
- Protein Powerhouse: Salmon is one of the best sources of protein, making it popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
- Everything Seasoning Health: The seasoning’s ingredients, like sesame seeds and garlic, offer health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Popular Worldwide: Salmon is celebrated in many cuisines, from Japanese sushi to Scandinavian gravlax.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen salmon?
- Yes! Thaw it fully before cooking for best results.
- How do I know if my salmon is done?
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Is Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce?
- Greek yogurt gives a nice tang, but you can substitute with sour cream if preferred.
- Can I make the creamy caper sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
- You can make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
- Can I bake the salmon instead?
- Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or until done.
- What type of salmon works best?
- Both wild-caught and farm-raised work well. Sockeye and Atlantic salmon are popular choices for this recipe.
- What can I substitute for capers?
- Green olives chopped finely can provide a similar tangy bite.
- Can I make this dairy-free?
- Use a dairy-free yogurt or mayo alternative in the sauce.
- What sides pair well with this dish?
- Try roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Everything Salmon with Creamy Caper Sauce is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that make it an easy yet impressive dish. With the crunch of the everything seasoning, the tenderness of the salmon, and the tang of the caper sauce, every bite brings something delightful to the table. It’s a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a special gathering. Try it tonight, and enjoy the delicious combination of everything bagel seasoning with rich, flaky salmon.