Description
Zesty lemon caper sauce brings Mediterranean sunshine to delicate seafood and chicken dishes. Tangy capers and bright citrus notes dance together, creating an effortless culinary escape you’ll savor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Cooking Fats:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt butter and olive oil together in a compact saucepan, creating a glistening base over medium heat.
- Introduce finely minced garlic into the shimmering mixture, stirring rapidly to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
- Gently sprinkle capers into the pan, allowing them to dance and sizzle, infusing their briny character into the developing sauce.
- Pour white wine into the saucepan, letting it bubble and reduce, concentrating the flavors and creating a harmonious blend.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice, stirring continuously to marry the citrusy brightness with the existing ingredients.
- Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, watching as it transforms into a luxurious, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Season with a delicate touch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
- Remove from heat and whisk in a final pat of cold butter, creating a silky, luxurious finish that adds depth and shine to the sauce.
- Strain if desired for an ultra-smooth texture, or leave rustic with visible herbs and capers for a more robust presentation.
Notes
- Swap butter with plant-based margarine for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy texture.
- Add a splash of white wine to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity, creating a more sophisticated flavor profile.
- Use fresh capers instead of jarred for a brighter, more vibrant taste that elevates the entire dish.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal preference, keeping in mind that a balanced acidity can transform the sauce’s overall character.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg