Simple Salmon Piccata Recipe
This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually quite simple to make. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to serve when guests come over. And the best part? You can have it on the table in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or a spatula
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Garlic press or knife
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Piccata Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
- ¼ cup dry white wine optional, can replace with more broth
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a slight kick
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for a rich, silky sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices for serving
Suggested Sides
- Pasta or Rice: To soak up the delicious sauce
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus zucchini, or green beans
- Crisp Salad: A simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon dressing
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Lightly dredge the salmon in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a light crust and thickens the sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if they have skin.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Piccata Sauce
- In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), scraping up any bits from the pan.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Stir in capers and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Reduce the heat and add 2 tablespoons butter, stirring until melted and the sauce turns silky.
- Return the salmon to the pan, spooning the sauce over the fillets. Let it warm for 1–2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the salmon with your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted veggies.
- Spoon extra sauce over the top for maximum flavor.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400-450 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~8-10g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~500-600mg (varies based on capers and broth used)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: High, thanks to the salmon!
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.