Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This baked salmon recipe is a delightful way to enjoy tender, flaky fish topped with a rich lemon butter cream sauce. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, then season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic.
3. Step 3: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Step 4: While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon the lemon butter cream sauce over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in lemon juice and garlic for 15 minutes before baking.
• Try substituting dill for parsley if you prefer a slightly different herbal note.
• If you want a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid overcooking the fish. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking for best results.

What can I serve with baked salmon and lemon butter cream sauce?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 738 reviews

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy lemon butter cream sauce. A perfect meal for a healthy and flavorful dinner.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz each
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. Place them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic for flavor.
3. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
4. Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: While the salmon is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
5. Combine and Serve: Once the salmon fillets are done baking, remove them from the oven. Spoon the warm lemon butter cream sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill to add a fresh herbal aroma and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the salmon is not overcooked to keep it moist and tender.
• You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill complement the lemon butter cream sauce perfectly.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.

Keywords: Baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, creamy sauce, healthy salmon recipe, baked fish, easy dinner, seafood main course