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Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon Caper Butter Salmon

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Easy One Pan Creamy Lemon Caper Butter Salmon is a quick and elegant dish with tender salmon cooked in a rich, buttery cream sauce with bright lemon and briny capers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp capers, drained

2 tbsp butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (plus more for garnish)

2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Lemon slices, for garnish

Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Season salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place salmon skin side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Flip salmon and cook for another 7 minutes or until fully opaque. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and capers, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer on low until slightly thickened.
  6. Return salmon to the pan, coating it in the sauce. Allow salmon to finish cooking in the sauce if needed.
  7. Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley. Serve hot over rice.

Notes

  • Swap salmon with halibut or sea bass for variation.
  • Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Use dill instead of parsley for a traditional flavor pairing.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/easy-one-pan-creamy-lemon-caper-butter-salmon/