Name: Simple Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon); 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Introduction

This simple lemon caper sauce brightens up any dish with its tangy, savory flavors. Perfect for drizzling over fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables, it’s quick to make and adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your meals.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy sauce with a light yellow color, filled with small green capers and tiny black pepper flakes. A silver spoon, filled with the sauce, is held above a bowl, dripping slightly. The sauce has a smooth, thick texture with visible small bits of seasoning mixed throughout. The bowl beneath is white, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off or the broth reduce slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, if desired.
Step 6: Drizzle the sauce over your favorite fish, chicken, pasta, or veggies while still warm.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, try finishing the sauce with a splash of cream or a pat of extra butter.
Substitute white wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. It may separate slightly but whisking can bring it back together.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with creamy, light beige sauce speckled with small green capers and chopped fresh herbs scattered on top, drizzled with golden olive oil drops giving a shiny texture. Inside the bowl, a silver spoon is inserted, partially visible. The background shows a white marbled surface blurred softly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.

What dishes pair best with lemon caper sauce?

This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled or pan-seared fish like salmon or halibut, roasted chicken, pasta dishes, and steamed or roasted vegetables.