The Perfect Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Salmon sizzles with pure decadence when drizzled in a lemon butter cream sauce that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds.

Rich, velvety textures combine effortlessly in this elegant dish that promises restaurant-quality results.

Creamy and bright flavors dance across delicate fish fillets, creating a culinary masterpiece.

Fresh ingredients elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each bite reveals layers of sophisticated yet approachable flavors that complement the tender salmon perfectly.

Succulent fish meets luxurious sauce in a match made in kitchen heaven.

You won’t be able to resist this mouthwatering combination that turns an everyday meal into a gourmet experience.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: Standout Perks

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required.
• Speedy Gourmet Preparation: Whip up an impressive dish in under half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair with multiple side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or pasta, making it adaptable to different preferences and dietary needs.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Enjoy a protein-rich salmon fillet complemented by a creamy, tangy lemon butter sauce that delivers incredible taste without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the star of the dish with a delicate and rich flavor.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Bright and tangy mixture that helps tenderize and add zesty flavor to the salmon.
• Garlic, Dijon Mustard: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and complexity to the marinade.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.

• Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce with a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce that coats the salmon beautifully.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and subtle green flavor as a garnish.

Baking Lemon Butter Salmon: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425F/220C and position the rack right in the center of the oven.

Step 2: Create Flavor Bath

• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard

Blend these ingredients until they dance together smoothly.

Step 3: Prepare the Fish

Nestle salmon fillets into a skillet and generously coat with the flavor mixture.

Sprinkle ground black pepper and salt across the surface.

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the fish is perfectly flaky.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Base

In a saucepan, melt butter over low-medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, which takes about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Transform Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the buttery garlic mixture and bring to a gentle boil.

Watch the sauce thicken slightly.

Remove from heat and stir in a splash of lemon juice.

Season with black pepper and salt to match your taste preferences.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Drizzle the luxurious sauce over the baked salmon.

Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes.

Serve alongside mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or twirled over homemade pasta.

Tips for Moist, Flavorful Salmon

• Choose high-quality, wild-caught salmon with firm, bright flesh and minimal fishy odor for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch salmon carefully to prevent overcooking; fish is done when it flakes easily and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Stir cream sauce continuously and keep heat low to prevent separation and achieve smooth, silky texture.
• Adjust lemon juice and seasonings gradually, tasting as you go to create a perfectly balanced sauce that complements the salmon.
• Select side dishes with mild flavors like steamed vegetables or light grains that won't overpower the delicate salmon and lemon butter cream sauce.

Salmon Variations for Every Occasion

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use plant-based butter for a creamy, lactose-free sauce that maintains rich flavor.
• Herb-Infused Salmon: Swap Dijon mustard with fresh chopped dill or tarragon in the marinade for an aromatic herbal profile that complements the fish.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip mashed potatoes and serve with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add capers and substitute olive oil with a splash of white wine in the marinade for a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired salmon preparation.

Serving Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

• Elegant Plating Paradise: Drizzle the lemon butter cream sauce artfully over the salmon, creating beautiful swirls that showcase the dish's rich colors and textures.
• Seasonal Side Symphony: Pair the salmon with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or colorful bell peppers to enhance the meal's nutritional profile and visual appeal.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, dill, or chives on top to add a bright, fresh element that complements the creamy sauce and elevates the salmon's natural flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to balance the richness of the cream sauce and enhance the delicate salmon taste.

Storing Baked Salmon Leftovers

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Let the salmon and sauce cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation that can make the fish soggy.
• Enjoy refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. Reheat gently in the oven at 275F to prevent drying out.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 2 months when stored properly.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon provides the best flavor and texture. Choose center-cut fillets with even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, completely thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure proper seasoning and baking.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque and have a slightly firm texture without being dry.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream sauce?

Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free version. Reduce the sauce slightly longer to achieve desired thickness.

Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce promises a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey of delicate flavors and elegant dining. Rich, creamy sauce and perfectly flaked salmon invite you to savor each luxurious bite of this gourmet seafood experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 salmon fillets, skinless (about 150 grams/5 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons old style Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic cloves, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt to taste

Garnish and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
• Lemon slices for serving
• 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and heat to 425°F/220°C for optimal salmon roasting.
2. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a mixing bowl to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Transfer salmon fillets into a skillet, generously coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Sprinkle ground black pepper and salt evenly across the surface.
4. Roast salmon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. While salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté quickly until aromatic, approximately 20 seconds.
6. Stream heavy cream into the butter mixture, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to simmer and slightly thicken.
7. Remove sauce from heat and incorporate additional lemon juice for brightness. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
8. Carefully drizzle the lemon butter cream sauce over the baked salmon, allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes to absorb flavors.
9. Plate the salmon alongside complementary sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or serve atop homemade pasta.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture to ensure the best flavor and results.
• Marinate salmon for 15-30 minutes before baking to enhance its tenderness and absorb more delicious lemon-garlic flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to check salmon’s internal temperature, aiming for 145°F to guarantee perfectly cooked, moist fish without overcooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reducing calories while maintaining a creamy sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg