Description
Zesty lemon caper sauce elevates seafood and chicken dishes with Mediterranean flair. Briny capers and tangy citrus create a simple yet sophisticated condiment perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice, fresh (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) capers, drained
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Base: Melt butter and olive oil in a compact saucepan over medium heat, creating a glistening foundation.
- Aromatic Layer: Add minced garlic and capers simultaneously, stirring quickly to release their intense flavors and allow them to sizzle together for about 30-45 seconds.
- Liquid Reduction: Pour white wine into the pan, allowing it to bubble and concentrate, creating a rich flavor profile while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the saucepan.
- Citrus Integration: Introduce fresh lemon juice, stirring continuously to blend the bright, tangy notes with the existing aromatic mixture.
- Sauce Development: Simmer the mixture, watching it transform into a glossy, slightly thickened consistency that coats the back of a spoon with luxurious texture.
- Seasoning Finale: Adjust flavors with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then remove from heat and whisk in cold butter to create a silky, luminous finish.
- Presentation: Optional straining for ultra-smooth texture, or serve as is for a rustic, robust appearance with visible capers and herbs.
Notes
- Garlic Timing: Sauté garlic quickly to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the delicate sauce flavor.
- Wine Selection: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the sauce’s brightness without overpowering other ingredients.
- Butter Technique: Add cold butter off the heat to create a silky emulsion, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth, glossy texture.
- Flavor Balancing: Taste and adjust seasoning gradually, as capers are naturally salty and can impact the overall sauce profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg