This lemon caper sauce is a simple, velvety, and flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with fish, shrimp, chicken, and more. Made with butter, capers, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh parsley, it comes together in just 5 minutes for an easy yet elegant way to elevate any dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 5 minutes with minimal prep.
- Rich yet light – Butter adds richness, while lemon and capers provide a fresh, tangy balance.
- Versatile – Pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, and even roasted vegetables.
- Minimal ingredients – Made with just 6 simple ingredients.
- Restaurant-quality flavor – An easy way to elevate your home-cooked meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons jarred capers, drained
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions
Make the Sauce
- In a small skillet, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once melted, add the capers and garlic. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Add Flavor and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley.
- Taste and season with kosher salt as needed.
- Serve immediately over fish, shrimp, chicken, or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 1 minute
- Cooking Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Garlic Lovers – Use 2 cloves of garlic for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Creamy Version – Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Wine-Infused – Add 1 tablespoon of white wine for depth of flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of butter.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a small container for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm over low heat, stirring gently. Avoid overheating to prevent separation.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt.
2. What are capers, and where can I find them?
Capers are brined flower buds with a tangy, salty flavor. Find them in jars near the pickles or olives at most grocery stores.
3. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat gently over low heat to prevent the butter from separating.
4. What dishes go best with lemon caper sauce?
This sauce is amazing with fish (salmon, cod, tilapia), shrimp, chicken, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
5. How do I make this sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer, or add ½ teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water.
6. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
7. How do I reduce the saltiness of capers?
Rinse them under cold water before adding to the sauce.
8. What type of parsley works best?
Fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley gives the best flavor, but curly parsley works too.
9. Can I make this sauce without butter?
Yes! Use olive oil for a lighter, dairy-free version.
10. Can I use this sauce as a salad dressing?
Yes! Let it cool slightly and drizzle over salads or grilled vegetables.
Conclusion
This lemon caper sauce is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enhance any meal. Whether drizzled over seafood, chicken, or roasted veggies, its buttery, tangy, and savory taste is sure to impress. Try this versatile sauce today and add a gourmet touch to your next dish!
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Lemon Caper Sauce
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Caper Sauce is a buttery, tangy, and flavorful sauce that elevates fish, shrimp, chicken, and more! Made with just 6 simple ingredients, this quick and easy recipe comes together in 5 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp capers, drained
- 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter – In a small skillet over low heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté Garlic & Capers – Add capers and garlic, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lemon & Parsley – Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Season & Serve – Taste and add salt as needed. Drizzle over fish, shrimp, chicken, or pasta!
Notes
- For extra richness, brown the butter slightly before adding the garlic and capers.
- Want a thicker sauce? Stir in 1 tsp flour before adding the capers.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
