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Creamy Salmon Piccata is a classy yet approachable dish that brings together tender salmon fillets and a rich, flavorful sauce. Pan seared until golden with crisp edges, the salmon is then bathed in a creamy lemon garlic sauce that’s perfectly balanced with capers and fresh parsley.
Inspired by the classic chicken version, this salmon piccata recipe takes on a new twist with buttery fish and a silky cream base. It’s one of our favorite ways to serve salmon, and the result is restaurant-worthy flavor made simple at home. If you’re craving a comforting seafood dish, this salmon piccata with creamy lemon sauce is bound to become a new weeknight favorite. For a complete meal, pair it with French Onion Chicken Casserole for the ultimate comfort food spread that blends two classics in one dinner.

What Makes This Recipe Work
Unlike a traditional chicken version, this creamy salmon piccata recipe highlights the delicate flavor of fish while adding a luscious cream base. The salmon piccata with creamy lemon sauce feels light yet indulgent, and the touch of garlic takes it up a notch. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
What Goes Into Creamy Salmon Piccata
This Creamy Salmon Piccata comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Salmon Fillets: Tender, flaky fish that turns buttery with a crisp golden crust when pan seared.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with rich, savory depth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the creamy sauce with a refreshing tang that balances every bite.
- Capers: Briny and punchy, they cut through the creaminess and give this salmon piccata recipe its signature flavor.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Creamy Salmon Piccata
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- Season and Coat: Pat the salmon fillets dry, then season both sides evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

- Heat the Pan: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl to combine.
- Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook for 4 minutes per side. Remove once golden and cooked through, then tent with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until reduced.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the chicken stock and fresh lemon juice. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, cooking for another minute.
- Thicken and Enrich: Whisk cornstarch with a little stock, then add it into the pan to thicken. Stir in the cream and capers, then remove from heat.
- Finish and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan and coat with sauce. Garnish with parsley, lemon slices, and serve hot over rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Pair this Creamy Salmon Piccata with Cheesy Garlic Sweet Potatoes, where golden, crispy edges meet buttery garlic flavor. The comforting richness makes them a perfect match for the creamy lemon garlic sauce, while the touch of sweetness balances the savory salmon beautifully
For a lighter contrast, try a Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad with smoky chicken, tangy lime, and crunchy peppers to brighten the plate. To finish, serve Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls With Cream Cheese Frosting, a warm, cinnamon-swirled dessert that echoes the cozy comfort of the main dish while adding a sweet ending.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can use skin-on salmon if you prefer. Just sear the fillets skin-side down first until crispy, then flip and continue as directed.
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio works beautifully in this salmon piccata recipe. It adds depth while keeping the sauce light and bright.
Yes, heavy cream will make the sauce even richer and silkier. Either option works well for a salmon piccata with creamy lemon sauce.
Creamy Salmon Piccata
Ingredients
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch pepper to taste
- ¼ cup flour optional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic medium, minced
- ⅓ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock broth, fat free if you can find it
- 1-2 teaspoon cornstarch leveled, or corn flour
- 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed, adjust to your tastes
- 4 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup reduced fat cream or heavy cream
- 2-4 tablespoons parsley coarsely chopped to serve
- 4 Lemon slices to serve
Instructions
- Season both sides of salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Add ¼ cup of the flour to a shallow dish; dredge the salmon in the flour to evenly coat. Shake off excess.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to mix through the butter. Add salmon; sauté 4 minutes on each side or until just cooked to your liking. Transfer salmon to a warm plate; tent with foil and set aside.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter (or oil) to pan and melt. Add the garlic; sauté for a further minute until fragrant. Add wine; bring to a boil scraping any browned bits off of the bottom of the pan. Cook until liquid almost evaporates, stirring occasionally. Add ¾ cup stock/broth to the pan along with the lemon juice; bring to a boil and cook for a further minute.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (or cornflour) with 2 tablespoons of the reserved broth, whisking well to combine. Pour the mixture into the pan, stirring through the liquid to create a sauce. Cook for 1 minute or until slightly thickened. If it’s not thick enough, mix the remaining cornstarch with the remaining broth and add to the centre of the pan. Stir in the cream and remove from heat and add the capers.
- Place the salmon fillets back into the pan. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, pepper and add in lemon slices.
- Serve immediately with the sauce over rice or pasta, vegetables of choice or with a salad.
Notes
*Substitute cream with evaporated milk or half and half to reduce calories and fat.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I love this recipe! I make it frequently for my family. It is always delicious and fairly easy to make.
Just made this tonight… LOVE it:) I put over a bed of jasmine rice, side of broccoli , and a glass of vino. I will make it again… perfect classic ingredients and not a 10 page complicated recipe. Thank you for posting and my wife will be home soon to confirm my pallet suspicion… #Delicious
Hi James, that sounds like a fantastic meal! I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the recipe and that it provided a delicious and straightforward dining experience. The combination of chicken, jasmine rice, and broccoli is a classic winner. I hope your wife thoroughly enjoys it too!
I added 1-2 tablespoons of dry (or fresh) dill for more flavor. I also recommend cutting done on the amount of lemon and salt..The resulting dish was a hit.
Seriously delicious!! Recipe easy to fallow and now I have to make it all the time…
Love this recipe! Got all the items then put in front of my husband to make it.
Easy to make that he could follow it. Awesome