Description
This Creamy Salmon Piccata recipe features tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a luscious lemon-caper cream sauce. The combination of bright lemon juice, briny capers, and rich heavy cream creates a flavorful and elegant dish that is quick to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat to warm it up for cooking the salmon.
- Heat olive oil: Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and allow it to heat for about a minute to ensure even cooking.
- Season salmon: Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Coat salmon with flour: Dredge each salmon fillet in all-purpose flour, coating evenly and shaking off excess to create a light crust when seared.
- Sear salmon fillets: Place the floured salmon fillets in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set aside cooked salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and set aside, keeping them warm while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing its aroma.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate flavor.
- Simmer broth: Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the taste.
- Add cream, lemon juice, and capers: Stir in heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and capers to build the rich, tangy sauce base.
- Thicken sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Add butter: Stir in unsalted butter until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
- Return salmon to skillet: Place the salmon fillets back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them.
- Reheat salmon: Cook for an additional 2 minutes so the salmon reheats and soaks up the sauce flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the salmon for a fresh, colorful finish.
- Serve immediately: Plate the creamy salmon piccata and spoon extra sauce over the fillets for serving.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon fillets for easier cooking and presentation.
- If chicken broth is unavailable, vegetable broth can be substituted.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to balance acidity according to taste preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil, respectively.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
