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Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish featuring tender, flaky salmon paired with a rich and tangy lemon butter cream sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, it boasts a creamy texture and fresh flavors that make it a family favorite and a nutritious meal choice.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon

  • Fresh salmon fillets, about 6 ounces per person, skin-on or skinless

Sauce

  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh lemon juice and zest
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), finely chopped
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a nice crust when baked. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper and place them skin-side down on a greased baking dish or lined sheet.
  2. Bake the Salmon: Pop the salmon into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The goal is tender, flaky fish that’s just cooked through without over-drying.
  3. Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: While the salmon bakes, melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously, letting it thicken slightly. Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and toss in finely chopped fresh herbs.
  4. Combine and Serve: Once the salmon is done, spoon the luscious lemon butter cream sauce over each fillet generously. For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Watch the salmon closely during baking to avoid drying out; it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for maximum brightness and flavor.
  • Warm the sauce gently and avoid boiling to prevent curdling or separation.
  • Let the salmon rest for a minute after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 6 ounces)
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, creamy salmon, easy seafood dinner, healthy salmon recipe, lemon cream sauce, omega-3 rich meal