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–+ servings

Easy Salmon Piccata Recipe

This easy salmon piccata recipe creates a flavorful dish featuring tender salmon with a golden sear, coated in a tangy lemon-butter caper sauce.
Perfect for a quick, restaurant-quality meal, this recipe pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds skin-on or skinless salmon cut into 4 fillets
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
  • ¼ cup ½ stick unsalted butter, softened, divided
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ small yellow onion finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
  • ¾ cup chicken bone broth or low-sodium chicken stock
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1–2 medium lemons
  • 3 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley leaves for garnish
  • 4 lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Sear the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side up if applicable. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until the first side is golden brown. Flip the fillets, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until fully cooked and flaky. Transfer the salmon to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  • Cook the Onion and Make the Sauce: In the same skillet over medium-low heat, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Deglaze the pan by stirring in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, adding one tablespoon at a time to create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
  • Combine and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

  • For perfectly cooked salmon, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F at the thickest part.
  • If the salmon sticks to the pan while flipping, it may need a little more time to develop a proper sear.
Keyword Capers and salmon dish, easy recipes, easy salmon recipe, Lemon butter salmon, Quick salmon dinner ideas, Quick salmon piccata
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