Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata Recipe
This Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata recipe features tender, pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a luscious, tangy lemon and caper cream sauce. With bright fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a touch of butter, this dish perfectly balances richness and acidity for a delightful, restaurant-quality meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon fillets (skinless)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup capers (rinsed and drained)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preparing the Salmon: Place the skinless salmon fillets on a clean cutting board and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Set aside while preparing the skillet.
- Making the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. After cooking the salmon, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, scraping the skillet bottom with a wooden spoon to release browned bits. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cooking the Salmon: Carefully add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep tender and juicy.
- Combining Salmon with the Sauce: Stir 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup rinsed and drained capers into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour the creamy lemon caper sauce over the salmon to coat it thoroughly.
- Garnishing and Serving: Garnish the salmon with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving to add a pop of color and extra brightness.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor and brightness in the sauce.
- Ensure salmon is skinless for even cooking and a delicate texture.
- Do not overcook salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
- Rinse capers to reduce excess saltiness before adding to the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Lemon Salmon Piccata, Creamy Salmon Sauce, Pan-seared Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Lemon Capers Sauce
