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Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata Recipe

4.4 from 77 reviews

This Creamy Lemon Salmon Piccata recipe features tender, golden-browned salmon fillets cooked to perfection and finished with a bright, tangy, and rich creamy lemon-caper sauce. The dish strikes a perfect balance of fresh citrus brightness, savory garlic, and buttery richness, making it an elegant yet easy-to-make entrée ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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: Season both sides of the skinless salmon fillets evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Set aside while preparing the skillet.
  2. Making the Creamy Lemon Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. After cooking salmon (see next step), melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Cooking the Salmon: Carefully add the seasoned salmon fillets to the heated skillet with olive oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until salmon is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove salmon from skillet and place on a plate to keep warm and tender.
  4. Combining Salmon with the Sauce: Stir 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup rinsed and drained capers into the lemon sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return salmon to the skillet or serve the fillets topped with the creamy lemon-caper sauce.
  5. Garnishing and Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for color and additional fresh lemon aroma. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh, skinless salmon fillets for best results and optimal flavor.
  • Do not overcook the salmon to ensure it remains tender and flaky.
  • Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness.
  • Adjust lemon juice quantity to balance acidity to your liking.
  • Rinsing capers removes excess saltiness, preventing the sauce from becoming too salty.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Keywords: salmon piccata, creamy lemon salmon, salmon recipes, easy dinner, lemon caper sauce, healthy salmon dish