Description
Salmon Piccata is a quick and delicious seafood dish featuring pan-seared salmon with a luscious lemon, caper, and cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe balances bright citrus flavors with the richness of heavy cream and tender salmon, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds salmon, cut into 4 equal pieces
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1 teaspoon more for cooking
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tablespoons capers, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Salmon: Cut the salmon into 4 equal pieces. Sprinkle each piece evenly with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Dredge the salmon pieces on all sides in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Place the salmon pieces in the pan and cook for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, ensuring not to fully cook the salmon yet. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook Shallots and Butter: In the same pan, add the unsalted butter, chopped shallot, and an additional 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the shallots are soft and fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Capers: Pour in the capers, lemon juice, chicken broth, and lemon zest. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes or until the liquid reduces by half, intensifying the flavors.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt or lemon juice if needed. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish Cooking Salmon in Sauce: Return the salmon pieces to the pan with the sauce. Cook on medium-low heat for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the sauce over the salmon, until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork and the sauce thickens further.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh dill over the salmon, optionally tuck in lemon slices for extra brightness. Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, orzo pasta, or a side of vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the salmon during the initial sear to avoid dry fish; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
- Capers add a salty and tangy element; rinse them if you prefer less saltiness.
- Optional: garnish with lemon slices for extra visual appeal and zest.
- This dish pairs well with starches like mashed potatoes or pasta and a green vegetable side.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
