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Simple Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe

Simple Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty lemon caper sauce brings Mediterranean sunshine to simple seafood dishes, elevating classic recipes with tangy brightness. Elegantly blending citrus notes and briny capers, this sauce promises a quick culinary escape you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained

Fats and Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Melt butter and olive oil together in a medium skillet over medium heat, allowing the butter to become frothy and completely liquefied.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the hot mixture, gently sautéing until its aromatic essence releases without developing any brown coloration.
  3. Cascade white wine or chicken broth into the skillet, stirring continuously and permitting the liquid to simmer and concentrate its flavors for several minutes.
  4. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, briny capers, and vibrant lemon zest into the developing sauce, seasoning generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  5. Allow the ingredients to meld and dance together for an additional minute, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  6. For an optional burst of freshness, gently fold in finely chopped parsley, lifting the sauce’s brightness.
  7. Transfer the warm, luminous sauce immediately over your chosen protein or vegetable, ensuring it cascades delicately and creates a tantalizing culinary experience.

Notes

  • Select butter with high fat content for richer, more luxurious sauce texture and deeper flavor development.
  • Consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus notes that enhance overall sauce complexity.
  • Use kosher or sea salt for better seasoning control and more nuanced flavor compared to regular table salt.
  • For dairy-free alternative, replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter substitute to accommodate different dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg