Description
Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a luxurious yet simple dish featuring tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a rich, creamy sauce made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and butter. Finished with fresh parsley or dill, this elegant meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black 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 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic.
- Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
- While the salmon bakes, melt the 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 gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Do not allow it to boil vigorously.
- Remove the cooked salmon from the oven and spoon the lemon butter cream sauce over each fillet.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon: Use evenly sized fillets so they cook at approximately the same rate. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking: Salmon thickness affects cooking time. Check the thickest part and cook until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Adjust the lemon flavor: Add extra lemon juice for a brighter, tangier sauce, or use slightly less if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley gives the dish a fresh, mild finish, while dill adds a classic flavor that pairs especially well with salmon.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours and consume within 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Warm the salmon gently in the oven at a low temperature or in short microwave intervals to help prevent it from drying out. Reheat the sauce gently, stirring as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American