Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe
This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to prepare tender, flaky salmon fillets bathed in a rich, tangy, and creamy lemon-infused butter sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it combines fresh garlic, zest, and cream to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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 the salmon from sticking.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them skin-side down in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the fillets, then season each with salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the minced garlic over the top for flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork.
- 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, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest for brightness. Reduce the heat to low, then whisk in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon the warm lemon butter cream sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize bright citrus flavor.
- To check doneness, the salmon should flake easily with a fork but not be dry.
- Feel free to swap parsley for fresh dill depending on your flavor preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving.
Keywords: Baked salmon, lemon butter cream sauce, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, creamy lemon sauce, baked fish
