Lemon Caper Sauce

This Lemon Caper Sauce is a bright, tangy, and buttery sauce that pairs perfectly with fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables. Made with fresh lemon juice, briny capers, and rich butter, this sauce adds a delicious punch of flavor to any dish. Whether you’re serving it over salmon, chicken piccata, or roasted veggies, this simple sauce comes together in just 10 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy—ready in 10 minutes!
  • Perfectly balanced with tangy, salty, and rich flavors.
  • Pairs well with fish, chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
  • Simple ingredients, big flavor!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Butter (unsalted)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Capers, drained
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • White wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the Liquid: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
  3. Add Capers & Lemon Juice: Stir in capers and fresh lemon juice, cooking for another minute.
  4. Finish with Butter: Reduce heat to low and whisk in butter until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle over your favorite dish!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: About ½ cup (enough for 4 servings)
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture.
  • Garlic Lovers: Double the garlic for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Dairy-Free: Swap butter for dairy-free butter or extra olive oil.
  • Herb Boost: Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for extra depth.

Best Ways to Use Lemon Caper Sauce

  • Fish: Drizzle over salmon, tilapia, or cod.
  • Chicken: Perfect for chicken piccata or grilled chicken.
  • Vegetables: Toss with roasted asparagus, green beans, or zucchini.
  • Pasta: Mix with cooked pasta for a light, flavorful sauce.
  • Shrimp or Scallops: A delicious seafood finishing sauce!

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as butter-based sauces can separate.
  • Reheating: Warm over low heat, whisking constantly. Add a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Reheat gently over low heat and whisk well before serving.

2. What kind of capers should I use?

Use brined capers, drained and rinsed for the best flavor.

3. Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for bright, fresh flavor.

4. What can I substitute for white wine?

Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead.

5. How do I thicken the sauce?

Simmer longer or whisk in ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Just check your broth if using a store-bought version.

8. Can I add Parmesan cheese?

Yes! Stir in grated Parmesan for extra richness.

9. What’s the best wine for this sauce?

Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

10. Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Lemon is best, but lime can work for a different twist!

Conclusion

This Lemon Caper Sauce is an easy, restaurant-quality sauce that adds bright, tangy, and buttery flavor to any meal. Whether you’re serving it over fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables, this 10-minute sauce is the perfect way to elevate your dish. Try it today and enjoy a burst of fresh citrusy flavor!

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Lemon Caper Sauce

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: About ¾ cup 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian

Description

This Lemon Caper Sauce is a bright, tangy, and buttery sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over chicken, fish, pasta, or vegetables! Made with fresh lemon juice, briny capers, and a touch of garlic, this quick and easy sauce adds restaurant-quality flavor to any dish.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 2 tbsp capers, drained
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

  1. Pour in chicken brothlemon juicecaperssaltblack pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced.

Step 3: Finish & Serve

  1. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley.
  2. Serve warm over grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

Notes

  • Make it Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
  • Thicker Sauce: Add ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water and simmer until thickened.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

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