This Lemon Caper Sauce is a delightful, tangy, and savory addition to a variety of dishes. With fresh lemon, briny capers, and a touch of garlic, it brings an instant burst of flavor to fish, chicken, or roasted vegetables. Quick and easy to make, this sauce will elevate any meal in just a few minutes!
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the capers and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to release their flavor.
Add the lemon zest and juice, and if you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Stir everything to combine.
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the sauce over your favorite dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Add a bit of cream: If you prefer a creamy version of this sauce, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after simmering. It adds richness and a smooth texture.
Switch up the herbs: While I like to use parsley for garnish, fresh thyme or dill would work wonderfully too. Experiment with different herbs to find the perfect pairing for your dish.
Make it spicier: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. It brings a spicy kick that complements the tanginess of the lemon and capers.
Storage/Reheating
I recommend making this sauce fresh, as it’s best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or more olive oil to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use this sauce on pasta?
Absolutely! This Lemon Caper Sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, especially seafood pasta or a simple spaghetti with olive oil. The bright flavors make the dish light and refreshing.
Can I substitute the white wine?
Yes, you can omit the white wine if you prefer. The sauce will still taste great without it. If you'd like to add some acidity, you can replace the wine with a little more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
While this sauce is best made fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before using.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Since this sauce contains butter and olive oil, freezing may alter its texture. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for short-term use.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
If the sauce tastes too tart, you can balance it with a pinch of sugar or more butter. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences as well.
Conclusion
This Lemon Caper Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you're drizzling it over fish, chicken, or vegetables, it brings a zesty, savory kick that makes every bite special. It’s quick to prepare and full of fresh, bold flavors—perfect for any weeknight dinner or a special occasion. I hope you enjoy making this sauce as much as I do!
Recipe:
Lemon Caper Sauce
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy and savory sauce made with lemon, capers, and garlic, perfect for enhancing fish, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the capers and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to release their flavor.
- Add the lemon zest and juice, and if you’re using white wine, pour it in now. Stir everything to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the sauce over your favorite dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
If you prefer a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after simmering.
Switch herbs by using fresh thyme or dill for a different flavor.
For added heat, include red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
