Name: Creamy Salmon Piccata: 15-Minute Rich Dinner Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 6-ounce salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 small lemon (zested and juiced); 2 tablespoons capers; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Creamy Salmon Piccata has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights. This elegant dish is not only quick but also delivers a wealth of flavor thanks to its rich combination of lemon, butter, and capers. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect answer to your craving for a delicious meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Salmon Piccata

This Creamy Salmon Piccata recipe is a culinary gem for several reasons. First, it features salmon piccata with cream sauce, which elevates the traditional dish to new heights. The creamy lemon sauce harmonizes beautifully with the fish, making it a rich salmon piccata dish that’s hard to resist. Furthermore, it’s an easy creamy salmon piccata dinner that can impress guests yet is simple enough for a weeknight meal. The best creamy salmon piccata ingredients are readily available, and the cooking time is a mere 15 minutes! Plus, it offers healthy creamy salmon piccata options with gluten-free ingredients. Lastly, this dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it versatile.

Creamy Salmon Piccata: 15-Minute Rich Dinner Delight - Creamy Salmon Piccata - main visual representation

Ingredients for Creamy Salmon Piccata

Gather these items:

4 6-ounce salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)

2 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 small lemon (zested and juiced)

2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Creamy Salmon Piccata Step-by-Step

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Step 2: In a 10-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the salmon fillets, skin-side up. Sear for approximately 3 minutes until the surface turns golden brown. Gently flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the skin is lightly crisp. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 1 minute, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and capers. Stir well to combine. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and continue stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Place the seared salmon back into the skillet, skin-side down. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 120°F to 130°F for medium-rare doneness.
Step 6: Transfer the salmon to serving plates. Spoon the lemon-butter caper sauce over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred side dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Salmon Piccata

Keep these in mind:

This dish pairs well with a side of asparagus or rice.
Adjust the amount of capers based on your taste preference.

For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream.
Ensure the salmon is at room temperature before cooking for even results.

Creamy Salmon Piccata: 15-Minute Rich Dinner Delight - Creamy Salmon Piccata - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Salmon Piccata

There are plenty of ways to enjoy this dish. Serve your creamy salmon piccata with pasta for a hearty meal, or pair it with steamed vegetables for a lighter option. It also goes wonderfully with a fresh salad or on a bed of quinoa for a healthy twist. This salmon piccata with capers can elevate any dinner table, making it perfect for special occasions.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Salmon Piccata

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. This makes it an ideal quick creamy salmon piccata meal option for busy weeknights!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Salmon Piccata

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Salmon Piccata?

The secret lies in the cooking technique. Searing the salmon skin-side up ensures a crispy texture, while the creamy sauce locks in flavor. Using fresh ingredients, especially lemon and capers, enhances the overall taste, making this a truly memorable dish.

Can I make Creamy Salmon Piccata ahead of time?

While the salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Just reheat the sauce before adding the cooked salmon when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Salmon Piccata?

To avoid overcooking the salmon, keep an eye on the internal temperature. It should reach 120°F to 130°F for medium-rare. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it can become bitter.

Variations of Creamy Salmon Piccata You Can Try

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider these variations: For a creamy garlic salmon piccata, add minced garlic to the sauce before serving. For a traditional salmon piccata variation, skip the cream for a lighter version. You can also try using different herbs such as dill or basil to give it a unique twist!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try our Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp for a delightful seafood experience. If you’re interested in pairing this dish with a side, consider making Greek Chili Chicken Alfredo for a complete meal.

For additional information on the health benefits of salmon, you can visit Healthline.

Creamy Salmon Piccata: 15-Minute Rich Dinner Delight

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Author: Jannet Lisa
Total Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A restaurant-quality Creamy Salmon Piccata made with lemon, butter, capers, and white wine. Ready in just 15 minutes, this elegant yet simple dish brings rich flavor and freshness to your table.

Instructions

Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
In a 10-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. When the butter begins to foam, add the salmon fillets, skin-side up. Sear for approximately 3 minutes until the surface turns golden brown. Gently flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the skin is lightly crisp. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.

Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the dry white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 1 minute, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and capers. Stir well to combine. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and continue stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Place the seared salmon back into the skillet, skin-side down. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and simmer for 1–2 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 120°F to 130°F for medium-rare doneness.

Transfer the salmon to serving plates. Spoon the lemon-butter caper sauce over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred side dish.