Buttered Salmon with Red Onion, Capers and Dill
Total Time
Approximately 30 minutes
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Rating
0 out of 5 stars
(0)
Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lemon
- 2 pounds (907 g) skin-on salmon fillet (if you can only find skinless, that’s okay)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- ½ small red onion, sliced into very thin rings, divided
- 2-3 tablespoons (30 ml) brined capers, drained
- 1 cup (250 ml) fresh dill (you can use parsley if you absolutely refuse to use dill)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) toasted sesame seeds (optional)
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Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 325° F (163° C). Thinly slice half the lemon and remove any seeds; save the other half for juicing.
Step 2
Place the salmon skin side down on a baking sheet or in a large baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter has started to brown, 2-3 minutes. Add the olive oil, sliced lemon and half the onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until the lemon and onion have started to brown and frizzle, 2-3 minutes (you’re looking for a kind of crisped rather than softened and caramelized). Add the capers and let them pop and fry a minute or two.
Step 4
Pour the brown butter-lemon mixture over the salmon. Place it in the oven and roast until just cooked through but still medium rare inside, 12-15 minutes; the flesh will more translucent, less opaque. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving dish.
Step 5
Meanwhile, toss together the dill and sesame seeds, if using, in a medium bowl. Give a squeeze from the halved lemon and season with salt and pepper. Scatter on top of the salmon, along with the remaining sliced onion.
Step 6
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Chef's notes
This dish works well with other large fillets of fish like cod, haddock or halibut if salmon is unavailable.
Using a large spoon to scoop out portions gives a rustic feel.