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Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata Recipe

4.8 from 439 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata is a delightful seafood dish featuring tender, pan-seared salmon fillets enveloped in a rich and tangy lemon-caper cream sauce. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and capers delivers a bright and savory flavor profile, while the creamy sauce adds a luscious texture that perfectly complements the juicy salmon. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this recipe is an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 1 pound salmon fillets (skinless)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 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

  1. Preparing the Salmon: Place the skinless salmon fillets on a clean cutting board and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
  2. 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 of fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors.
  3. Cooking the Salmon: Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and flaky. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.
  4. Combining Salmon with the Sauce: Stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of rinsed and drained capers into the lemon sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the salmon to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and let everything warm together briefly.
  5. Serving: Garnish the salmon with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch and appealing presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh salmon fillets for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
  • Rinse capers thoroughly to reduce excess saltiness if desired.
  • Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less acidity.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Salmon, Salmon Piccata, Lemon Capers Sauce, Pan Seared Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe