Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata Recipe
Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata is a vibrant and rich dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets bathed in a luscious lemon-caper cream sauce. This recipe combines the bright, tangy flavors of lemon with the slight brininess of capers and the silky texture of cream, creating a sophisticated yet simple main course perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin removed
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste. This ensures even seasoning and helps create a nice sear.
- Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is cooked through and has a golden crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, keeping warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add cream and lemon: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors together.
- Add capers and parsley: Stir in the rinsed capers and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the salmon. Let them warm together for 1-2 minutes. Serve the salmon garnished with extra parsley and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon for best flavor and texture; if using frozen, thaw properly overnight in the refrigerator or under cold water.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and rinse capers thoroughly before adding.
- Allow the salmon to rest a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and tenderness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with a blend of Greek yogurt and broth for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
- Adding spinach or cherry tomatoes to the sauce while simmering is a great way to incorporate more vegetables.
- For gluten-free preparation, ensure broth and any side dishes like pasta are certified gluten-free.
Keywords: salmon recipe, creamy lemon salmon, piccata sauce, salmon dinner, lemon caper sauce, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/creamy-lemon-salmon-piccata-recipe/
