Name: Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Piccata
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2–3 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, center-cut); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: 1/4 cup white wine, crushed red pepper flakes to taste

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Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Piccata is a rich and elegant dish featuring tender seared salmon fillets in a silky lemon garlic cream sauce with briny capers. It’s a fresh take on the classic chicken piccata, and I love how the flavors blend—bright lemon, savory garlic, and the perfect touch of creaminess to bring everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings restaurant-style flavor to my table in under 30 minutes. The sauce is creamy yet light, thanks to the lemon juice and capers, and the salmon is perfectly seared with a crisp golden crust. It’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Piccata

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, center-cut)
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic (minced)
Chicken or vegetable broth
Lemon juice (fresh)
Lemon zest
Capers (rinsed and drained)
Heavy cream
Butter (optional, for richness)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional: white wine, crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

I season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the salmon, skin-side down first if using, for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove the salmon and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I reduce the heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
I deglaze the pan with broth (and wine, if using), scraping up the browned bits, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers.
I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. I simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
I return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets to coat them.
I finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot, with extra lemon slices if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–3 and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s a fast, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

Variations

Sometimes I add a handful of spinach or baby kale to the sauce for some greens. I’ve also replaced the cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or added a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. If I’m serving a larger group, I double the sauce and serve the salmon over pasta or mashed potatoes. Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Piccata

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm the salmon gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth. I avoid microwaving too long to prevent drying out the salmon.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure it sears properly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as I use a gluten-free broth and double-check the other ingredients.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

I can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving, then cook the salmon fresh.

What can I serve with this?

I love it with angel hair pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted asparagus. The sauce goes well with just about anything.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes. I can use more broth or a splash of milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it. It’ll be lighter but still flavorful.

Conclusion

Creamy Lemon Garlic Salmon Piccata is one of my go-to dishes when I want something bright, comforting, and deliciously satisfying. The lemony, garlicky cream sauce with briny capers brings out the best in the salmon, and it’s so easy to pull off. Whether I’m cooking for myself or someone special, this dish always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.