Description
This One-Pan Creamy Lemon Caper Butter Salmon recipe features tender, oven-baked salmon fillets topped with a luscious, tangy lemon caper butter sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy sauce combines butter, garlic, capers, lemon juice, and heavy cream for a rich flavor that complements the natural taste of salmon beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Lemon Caper Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until it is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Make the Sauce – Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: While the salmon bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Capers and Lemon: Stir in the drained capers, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes, then remove it from heat.
- Serve: Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven and drizzle the creamy lemon caper butter sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it juicy and tender.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version (note this will change flavor and texture).
- Capers add a salty tang, so adjust additional salt accordingly.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
