Description
Creamy Salmon Piccata with Lemon and Capers is a delightful and elegant skillet-cooked dish featuring tender salmon fillets coated in a light flour crust, seared to golden perfection, and topped with a luscious, tangy sauce made from fresh lemon juice, capers, garlic, chicken broth, and creamy heavy cream. This recipe combines vibrant flavors and creamy textures for a quick and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the salmon fillets.
- Heat Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat for about a minute until shimmering.
- Season Salmon: Season each salmon fillet evenly on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each salmon fillet lightly with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumping.
- Sear Salmon: Place the flour-coated salmon fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove Salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Broth and Deglaze: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release all browned bits, enhancing the flavor.
- Simmer Broth: Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Cream, Lemon Juice, and Capers: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and capers to create the piccata sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Finish Sauce with Butter: Add unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted and sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Return Salmon to Skillet: Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them to coat generously.
- Reheat and Infuse: Cook the salmon in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to reheat and allow flavor absorption.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salmon fillets for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy salmon piccata immediately, spooning extra sauce over the fillets for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor in the sauce.
- Pat salmon dry before seasoning and flouring to ensure a crisp crust.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing the salmon to achieve even cooking.
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a plant-based butter alternative.
