Lemon Caper Sauce is a bright and tangy sauce that combines the zesty freshness of lemon with the salty, briny flavor of capers. This sauce is perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes, such as fish, chicken, or vegetables, and takes just minutes to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how simple yet flavorful this Lemon Caper Sauce is. The combination of butter, olive oil, and garlic creates a rich base, while the fresh lemon juice and capers give it that signature tangy kick. I can serve it over grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even steamed vegetables, and each time, it elevates the dish with its bright, savory notes. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up in just 10 minutes—making it the perfect go-to sauce for busy weeknights or whenever I want to add a burst of flavor to my meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a small skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter with the olive oil.
I add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Then, I stir in the fresh lemon juice and capers, letting the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and slightly thicken.
I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
Once it’s done, I remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
I serve it immediately over grilled fish, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Storage/Reheating
This Lemon Caper Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, I can add a little extra butter or olive oil to loosen it up.
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FAQs
Can I make this sauce in advance?
I recommend making the sauce fresh, as it tastes best when it’s hot and freshly prepared. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge and reheat them within 2-3 days.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
I prefer using fresh parsley for the best flavor, but if I don’t have any on hand, dried parsley can be substituted. I’d just use about one teaspoon of dried parsley instead of a tablespoon of fresh.
Can I use this sauce on other dishes besides fish and chicken?
Absolutely! While I love pairing it with fish and chicken, this sauce is also great on vegetables like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or even pasta. It adds a burst of flavor to almost anything!
What if I don’t have capers?
If I don’t have capers, I can substitute them with green olives or pickles for a similar salty, briny flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still add a nice touch to the sauce.
Can I make this sauce dairy-free?
To make this sauce dairy-free, I can swap the butter for a plant-based butter substitute, and the recipe will still turn out delicious!
Conclusion
Lemon Caper Sauce is an incredibly versatile and quick sauce that brings a bright burst of flavor to so many dishes. It’s rich yet tangy, and it can be made in just 10 minutes with a few simple ingredients. Whether I’m making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing something special, this sauce always adds that extra bit of flavor that takes my meal to the next level.
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Lemon Caper Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Caper Sauce is a bright, tangy, and savory sauce that combines the fresh zing of lemon with the briny punch of capers. It’s perfect for enhancing dishes like grilled fish, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables. Ready in just 10 minutes, this simple yet flavorful sauce brings a burst of freshness to any meal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or whenever you want to elevate your cooking.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
-
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
-
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and capers, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
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Serve immediately over grilled fish, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Storage/Reheating: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently over low heat and add extra butter or olive oil to loosen it up if it thickens.
Substitutions: Use green olives or pickles if you don’t have capers, and substitute dried parsley for fresh if needed. For a dairy-free option, swap butter with a plant-based butter substitute.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 95 kcal
