Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. Tender salmon fillets are baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy sauce that brings bright flavors to the plate.

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. Place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and 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 a bit of lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before baking.
• Swap fresh dill for parsley for a slightly different herbal note in the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water while simmering the cream.
• Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

Can I make the lemon butter cream sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead and warm it up gently just before serving. If it thickens too much after refrigerating, stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce recipe offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a luxurious lemon-infused butter cream sauce. Perfectly baked in the oven, the salmon is seasoned with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, while the creamy sauce adds a tangy richness that complements the fish beautifully. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

• Author: Luna
• 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 with a paper towel. Place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic, spreading it evenly over the fillets.
3. Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, ensuring it is tender and moist.
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 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh 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 until it thickens slightly.
5. Combine and Serve: Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven. Spoon the warm lemon butter cream sauce generously over each salmon fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For extra flavor, let the salmon marinate briefly in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper before baking.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes longer but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, natural lemon flavor.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, creamy lemon sauce, garlic salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner