Description
A delicious and easy one-pan creamy lemon caper butter salmon recipe that features perfectly seared salmon fillets in a rich, tangy sauce made with lemon, capers, garlic, and cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stovetop dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Sear the salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits for added flavor.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Reintroduce salmon: Return the seared salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Allow to simmer together for another 2–3 minutes to reheat the salmon and let flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For an extra depth of flavor, substitute chicken broth with a splash of dry white wine.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day meal.
