Creamy Salmon Piccata with Lemon & Capers
This Creamy Salmon Piccata is a rich and elegant dish featuring tender, pan-seared salmon in a luscious lemon-caper cream sauce. Inspired by the classic Italian piccata, this version adds extra creaminess while keeping the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and capers. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Piccata Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for extra depth)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare & Sear the Salmon
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Lightly dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off excess.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the salmon for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Piccata Sauce
1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic. Saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth (or wine), scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, capers, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
1. Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets.
2. Let simmer for 2 more minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices.
4. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Notes & Tips
For Extra Crispiness: Use a mix of flour and grated Parmesan for dredging.
Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter.
Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This Creamy Salmon Piccata is a quick, gourmet dish that’s both rich and refreshing. The tangy lemon,briny capers, and creamy sauce make every bite irresistible. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that feels special yet effortless. Enjoy!