Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This bright and tangy Lemon Caper Sauce is a delightful way to elevate seafood, chicken, or vegetables. Made with simple ingredients like butter, fresh lemon juice, and capers, it adds a zesty, savory kick that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter (cut in pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
- 4 Tbsp capers (drained)
- 2 Tbsp parsley (finely minced)
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the butter over low heat in a small skillet.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about one minute, being careful not to brown it. This infuses the butter with garlic flavor and softens its sharpness.
- Step 3: Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and drained capers, then let the sauce simmer gently for another minute to meld the flavors.
- Step 4: Stir in the finely minced parsley and season with sea salt to taste.
- Step 5: For a creamy version, after sautéing the garlic, transfer the mixture to a jar and stir in the lemon juice. Use an immersion blender to emulsify until smooth.
- Step 6: Add the capers and parsley to the blended sauce, then adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice can taste flat.
- For an extra silky texture, strain the sauce after blending.
- Try adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added depth and a subtle kick.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables.
Storage
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the butter from separating. For best texture, stir well before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently and stir before serving to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
While butter gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture, you can substitute olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different and less creamy.
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Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup sauce 1x
Description
This vibrant Lemon Caper Sauce is a tangy and savory condiment perfect for enhancing seafood, chicken, or vegetables. It features a buttery base infused with fresh garlic and zesty lemon juice, balanced by the briny pop of capers and fresh parsley. With options for a smooth, creamy version using an immersion blender, this versatile sauce adds brightness and depth to your dishes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup salted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp capers, drained
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely minced
- Sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Place the butter in a small skillet and melt it over low heat, ensuring it melts gently without browning.
- Infuse Garlic: Add finely minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté gently for about one minute. Avoid browning the garlic; the goal is to infuse the butter with the garlic flavor while softening its raw edge.
- Add Lemon Juice and Capers: Whisk in the fresh lemon juice and drained capers into the butter-garlic mixture. Let it simmer gently for another minute to marry the flavors.
- Finish with Parsley and Season: Stir in finely minced parsley and add sea salt to taste. This completes the basic lemon caper sauce.
- Prepare for Creamy Version: To make a creamy lemon caper sauce, melt butter over low heat in a small skillet as before and sauté garlic gently.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the warm butter and garlic mixture to a jar. Add lemon juice and use an immersion blender to emulsify the mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Add Final Ingredients: Stir in the capers and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with sea salt as needed.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Do not brown the garlic; it should gently infuse the butter.
- The sauce can be served immediately or slightly warm.
- The creamy version is ideal for smoother texture and works well as a drizzle or dip.
- Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: lemon caper sauce, butter sauce, garlic sauce, creamy lemon sauce, seafood sauce, easy sauce
