Introduction

This simple lemon caper sauce is bright, tangy, and full of flavor. It’s a versatile sauce that pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables, adding a fresh and zesty touch to your dishes.

A close-up of a creamy light yellow soup served in a round wooden bowl with a smooth texture and small green capers scattered throughout. The surface shows drops of golden olive oil and small pieces of fresh chopped green herbs on top. A silver spoon is partially submerged on the left side of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off or the broth reduce slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, if desired.
Step 6: Drizzle the sauce over your favorite fish, chicken, pasta, or veggies while still warm.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken broth instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic version.
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Fresh herbs like dill or basil can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to prevent separation.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a spoon filled with creamy, light yellow sauce that has small green capers and scattered black pepper bits throughout. The sauce has a smooth texture with tiny specks of seasoning and bright yellow spots. The spoon is silver and shiny, hovering over a bowl of the same sauce, which sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving to maintain its flavor and texture.

What can I serve with lemon caper sauce?

This sauce pairs wonderfully with grilled or baked fish, roasted chicken, steamed vegetables, or tossed with pasta for a quick meal.

Simple Lemon Caper Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

A simple and tangy lemon caper sauce that elevates any dish with its bright citrus flavor and briny capers. Perfect for drizzling over fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables, this easy sauce comes together quickly using staple ingredients like butter, olive oil, garlic, and lemon.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: About 1/2 cup sauce, serves 4 1x
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Heat Butter and Oil: In a medium skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble, preparing the base for your sauce.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, then stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the alcohol cook off if using wine, or to slightly reduce the broth.
Add Lemon and Capers: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, capers, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Finish with Parsley (Optional): Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley if you want a fresh herbal note and colorful garnish.
Serve: Drizzle the warm sauce over your choice of fish, chicken, pasta, or vegetables and enjoy immediately for best flavor.

Notes

Use dry white wine for a more authentic flavor, or substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Be careful not to brown the garlic as it can develop a bitter taste.
This sauce pairs especially well with pan-seared fish like sole, cod, or salmon.
Can be made gluten-free by confirming your broth or wine is gluten-free.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with additional olive oil.
Best served fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: lemon caper sauce, simple sauce, fish sauce, citrus sauce, easy sauce recipe, white wine sauce, garlic sauce, buttery sauce