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Salmon in Lemon Butter Caper Sauce (Salmon Piccata) in a pan with the delicious sauce and a garnish of parsley.

Pan Seared Salmon Picata Sauce

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5 from 13 reviews

All the flavors you love in a “piccata” recipe with a salmon twist! Traditionally, a piccata sauce is served with veal or chicken. I’ve created a version salmon that soak up that delicious sauce in a magnificent way. Served with a side of pasta and this is an easy 25 minute meal that tastes like you are dining at an Italian restaurant. You will be surprised by how quickly this scrumptious dish comes together. A taste of Italy at your table!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 large 5- to 6-ounce salmon fillets
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed

Piccata Sauce 

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons lemon juice, about one lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, about 1 large lemon
  • 3 tablespoons capers
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: lemon slices for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat your salmon fillets dry and seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Cook the salmon  until golden and crisp on the outside, about 4 minutes. Resist the urge to touch with the fillets as they cook. Carefully flip the fillets and reduce the heat to medium.
  3. Continue cooking until done to your liking, 1 to 2 minutes more, depending on how well done you like your salmon. Using a slotted spatula, remove the fish to a plate to rest.
  4. Return the pan to medium heat and add butter, shallot, garlic, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant and soft, about 1 minute.
  5. Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Simmer for 4 minutes to reduce slightly. Place salmon back in the pan and heat for an extra minute. Then, spoon the sauce over the salmon. Garnish with parsley and serve warm. Serve with lemon slices, if desired. 

Notes

If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in a tight-fitting container for up to three days.

  • Author: Elena Davis
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Savory
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: Italian