This Salmon Piccata comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in one skillet for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and oddments. Plus, if you’ve been searching for a way to jazz up your weeknight meals, this tasty dish is perfect for you!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Salmon Fillets
- Salt and Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Capers
- Fresh Parsley
Here’s How It’s Done!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Salmon : Start by seasoning those salmon fillets with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, on both sides. This basic step packs in tons of flavor!
Heat the Skillet : In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Let the butter melt and mix with the olive oil, it’s already smelling divine at this point!
Sear the Salmon : Add the salmon fillets to the skillet skin-side down, gorgeous! Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they’re cooked through and golden brown. You know they’re ready when they flake easily with a fork!
Remove Salmon : Carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Don’t worry about the little bits left in the pan, that’s flavor town, baby!
Cook Garlic : In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. You want it to be good and aromatic but not burnt (trust me, burnt garlic is NOT delicious).
Deglaze with Broth : Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice, scraping the wonderful, yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet. Those bits are the secret to the most flavorful sauce!
Add Capers : Stir in 1/4 cup of capers and let the sauce ramp up to a simmer. Keep an eye on it, and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to let those flavors meld together beautifully.
Return the Salmon : Now, return the salmon to the skillet, spooning that lemony caper sauce over each fillet. Cook for another minute, just to meld the flavors together perfectly.
Garnish and Serve : Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. And just like that, you have a gorgeous dish ready to impress!
Why I Love This Recipe
This Easy Salmon Piccata is my go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still want something comforting and delicious. It holds a special place in my heart because it feels fancy but is so simple, perfect for busy weeknights!
I’m a real sucker for versatile recipes like this, where you can use whatever you have on hand. You can change the sides, add veggies, or even swap salmon for chicken! The best part is that it’s loaded with flavor and gives a sense of accomplishment every time you plate it up!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Cheddar Bay Biscuit Seafood Pot Pie, my Garlic Butter Shrimp, or my Bangers and Mash for more family favorites!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Easy Salmon Piccata comes together in under 30 minutes perfect for those evenings when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen!
One-Pan Wonder
Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet. That means more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing dishes!
Budget-Friendly
Salmon can sometimes feel pricey, but it’s a nutrient-dense option that keeps well in the fridge. Use what you have on hand, and don’t be afraid to mix it up, this dish can accommodate different proteins as well!
Family-Friendly
Full of flavors that kids and adults alike will appreciate. You’ll likely hear requests for “more sauce!” from the table.
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have. Want to toss in vegetables? Feel free to go for it! Need to switch the salmon to chicken? Totally doable! This recipe is all about flexibility.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Salmon Piccata over a bed of pasta, quinoa, or rice to soak up that delicious sauce! Fresh veggies like steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach would make excellent sides. You could even add a light salad for a bright finish!
How Long It Lasts
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this dish will last for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool before sealing it up.
Best Method to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You could also microwave it in short bursts but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Freezer Friendly?
While it’s not the best for freezing due to the nature of salmon (it can get a bit mushy), you could freeze the sauce separately to enjoy with a new piece of protein later on!
Food is all about connection, bringing family and friends together around the table, sharing laughter and stories while savoring something delicious. So, whether it’s a busy Wednesday or a cozy Sunday, this Salmon Piccata is bound to make your mealtime a bit brighter and much more flavorful. Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Salmon Piccata
Ingredients
Method
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until butter is melted.
- Add salmon fillets skin-side down to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the bits off the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in capers and let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each fillet and cook for another minute.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.