Simple Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe
This zesty and tangy lemon caper sauce is quick to make and perfect for drizzling over fish, chicken, pasta, or roasted vegetables. It’s bright, flavorful, and adds a gourmet touch to any dish, combining fresh lemon, salty capers, and rich butter with a hint of garlic and olive oil.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 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
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off or the broth reduce slightly, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Add Lemon and Capers: Stir in the lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to meld the bright and briny flavors together.
- Finish with Parsley (Optional): Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Drizzle the sauce over your favorite fish, chicken, pasta, or veggies while still warm to enjoy the full burst of flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce it further.
- This sauce is delicious when paired with roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
- Prep Ahead: Make the sauce ahead and store in the fridge; reheat gently before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for some heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
- Freezing: Freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- Double the Batch: Easily double ingredients for larger quantities, adjusting pan size and cooking time as needed.
Keywords: lemon caper sauce, simple sauce recipe, Mediterranean sauce, sauce for fish, sauce for chicken, lemon sauce, capers, stovetop sauce, gluten free sauce