Creamy Salmon Piccata with Lemon and Capers Recipe
Creamy Salmon Piccata with Lemon and Capers is a delicious and elegant skillet-cooked dish featuring tender seared salmon fillets served in a luscious creamy lemon, caper, and parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe combines bright citrus flavors with rich creaminess and bold capers for a balanced and satisfying dinner.
- 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 and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter until melted and hot, creating the perfect searing base.
- Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift and incorporate browned bits into the sauce for extra flavor.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, capers, and grated parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return Salmon and Heat Through: Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon caper sauce over each piece. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the salmon through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish and add lemon slices on the side for garnish. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash more chicken broth while simmering.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or steamed asparagus.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keywords: salmon, piccata, lemon and capers, creamy salmon, healthy meals, quick dinner, seafood recipe, easy salmon recipe, 30-minute meals
