Name: Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salmon fillets skinless – 5, about 150 g/5 oz each; Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 2 tablespoons; Olive oil – 1 tablespoon; Garlic cloves minced – 1; Old style Dijon mustard – 2 tablespoons; Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon; Salt to taste; Unsalted butter – ¼ cup; Garlic cloves minced – 1 ½ tablespoons; Heavy cream or half and half – ½ cup; Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 1-2 tablespoons optional; Parsley finely chopped – 1 tablespoon; Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon; Lemon slices for serving

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When it comes to preparing a meal that is both elegant and easy, Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a dish that never fails to impress.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a rich, tangy sauce makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect this delightful recipe. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you can confidently recreate this dish in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything comes together in one skillet.
Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a nutritious choice, and the lemon butter cream sauce adds just the right amount of indulgence.
Customizable: Pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

Salmon Fillets: Skinless, about 150 g (5 oz) each – 5 pieces
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
Garlic Cloves: Minced – 1 clove
Old-Style Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons
Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Salt: To taste

For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:

Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup
Garlic Cloves: Minced – 1½ tablespoons
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: ½ cup
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: 1–2 tablespoons (optional)
Parsley: Finely chopped – 1 tablespoon
Ground Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
Lemon Slices: For serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the center. This ensures even cooking for your salmon fillets.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets into a skillet or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the fillets and rub it in gently to coat each piece evenly. Season with ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should be cooked through but still moist and tender.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

While the salmon is baking, melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using), parsley, and ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Once the salmon is done baking, pour the lemon butter cream sauce over the fillets. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or homemade pasta. Garnish with lemon slices for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon

Don’t Overcook: Salmon can dry out quickly if overcooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked fish.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and fresh parsley elevate the flavors of this dish. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even baking and better flavor absorption.

Q2: What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to avoid drying out the fish.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of the sauce.

Q5: What other sides pair well with this dish?

This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like scalloped potatoes, quinoa, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 261 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 230 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g

Final Thoughts

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a fantastic recipe that combines simplicity with gourmet flavor. With its quick prep time and rich taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious salmon recipes you’ll ever make!