Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: So Tasty

I remember the first time I made baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something comforting yet elegant. With just a few ingredients, I created a dish that changed how I saw home cooking.

This dish is more than a recipe; it’s a culinary experience. It brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. The tender salmon and rich, creamy sauce make a meal that’s both impressive and easy to make.

I want to show you how easy it is to make a delicious baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe will make your meal both tasty and impressive.

Key Takeaways

• Easy-to-make restaurant-quality baked salmon dish
• Rich, creamy lemon butter sauce with garlic
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Minimal preparation time with maximum flavor
• Healthy and nutritious protein option

Why This Baked Salmon Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

This baked salmon recipe is set to change your dinner game. Imagine a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant, but it’s ready in under 30 minutes. That’s what this recipe offers!

The secret to this recipe’s success is its simplicity and amazing taste. I’ve found a way to keep the salmon moist and flaky. Plus, cooking a big fillet means you get a great presentation and less cleanup.

• Preparation time: Under 30 minutes
• Serving size: 4 people (6 ounces per person)
• Minimal kitchen equipment required
• Incredible flavor from simple ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can save leftover baked salmon. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or another dinner.

For the best taste and texture, use high-quality baked salmon like sockeye, king, or coho. These have more fat, which complements our creamy lemon butter sauce beautifully.

Trust me, this recipe will be your favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of tender baked salmon and rich, tangy sauce makes for a memorable meal.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Salmon and Sauce

Creating a delicious salmon dish begins with picking the right ingredients. I’ll show you how to choose the best parts for a meal that’s unforgettable. It will feature a simple lemon sauce for salmon.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: Best Ever

Make dinner unforgettable with Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: tender fish, zesty lemon, and a buttery cream sauce for pure flavor bliss

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, seafood

Servings 4

Calories 525 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Dish – For baking the salmon.
• Saucepan – For preparing the lemon butter cream sauce.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For slicing lemon and chopping herbs.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Whisk or Spoon – For mixing the sauce ingredients.
• Tongs or Spatula – For handling the salmon fillets.
• Serving Plates or Bowls – For plating the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter option
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

For Garnish & Serving:

• Lemon wedges
• Extra fresh parsley
• Steamed vegetables mashed potatoes, or rice (optional)

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
• Pat salmon fillets dry and rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Place salmon fillets in the baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flaky (internal temperature 145°F/63°C).

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• While the salmon is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a simmer, then add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly.
• Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

• Remove salmon from the oven and drizzle with the lemon butter cream sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
• Serve warm with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~525 kcal
• Protein: ~45g
• Carbohydrates: ~8g
  • Fiber: ~1g
  • Sugar: ~2g
• Fat: ~35g
  • Saturated Fat: ~15g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Potassium: ~800mg

💡 For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter by half.

Keyword Baked salmon, Creamy salmon, Easy dinner, Healthy seafood, Lemon butter sauce, Quick seafood meal

Selecting the Right Salmon Fillets

Quality is key when preparing baked salmon. I suggest picking fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets. Look for these qualities:

• Uniform thickness (around 6 oz per fillet)
• Bright, vibrant color
• Firm texture without bruising
• Fresh, mild ocean scent

Cream Sauce Components

My lemon butter sauce for salmon needs special ingredients. They must blend perfectly:

• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• Heavy whipping cream (1 cup)
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Minced garlic (1-2 cloves)
• Chicken broth or white wine (1/2 cup)

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings

Add these aromatic ingredients to your baked salmon:

• Fresh parsley
• Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon)
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Optional: Dijon mustard for extra tang

Each ingredient is vital for a simple lemon sauce for salmon. The right mix turns a regular meal into a special experience.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

I’m excited to share a delightful baked salmon recipe. It turns an ordinary dinner into a culinary experience. The creamy lemon sauce for salmon makes the fish taste like it’s from a restaurant. The simple sauce for salmon combines rich flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Let me walk you through the key highlights of this mouthwatering dish:

• 4 perfectly sized salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• A luxurious cream sauce that’s both tangy and smooth
• Maximum flavor with minimal preparation time

The magic happens when you combine fresh salmon with a creamy lemon butter sauce. I’ll reveal my secret to creating a sauce that’s velvety, bright, and absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a special occasion, this baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce promises to impress. The entire dish comes together in just 24 minutes. It’s a practical yet elegant meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.

Perfect Temperature and Timing Guide

Mastering the art of baking salmon is all about precision. When you’re making a salmon dish with creamy lemon butter sauce, getting the cooking right is key. It’s what makes your meal feel like it’s from a restaurant.

To start, pick the right oven settings. I suggest preheating to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps your salmon cook evenly. It stays moist and tender, just like you want it.

Salmon Cooking Time Guidelines

The cooking time varies based on the salmon’s thickness. Here’s a simple guide:

• Thin fillets (0.5 inches): 8-10 minutes
• Medium fillets (1 inch): 12-15 minutes
• Thick fillets (1.5-2 inches): 15-18 minutes

Determining Salmon Doneness

Figuring out when your salmon is done is important. Look for these signs:

1. It turns from translucent to opaque
2. It flakes easily with a fork
3. The internal temperature hits 145°F

Remember, let your salmon rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This step makes sure the juices spread evenly. Your salmon will be moist and full of flavor when you serve it with creamy lemon butter sauce.

Making the Creamy Lemon Butter Sauce

Making the perfect sauce for baked salmon is an art. I’ll show you how to make a lemon butter sauce that will make your salmon dish amazing.

The secret to a great lemon butter sauce is in the prep and ingredients. Here’s my easy way to make a sauce that pairs well with salmon.

• Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a medium skillet
• Add 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant
• Pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Stir in 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

When making lemon butter sauce, keep the heat low. This prevents the sauce from breaking. You want it smooth and creamy to enhance the salmon’s flavor.

Pro tip: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice just can’t match the fresh citrus taste.

Finish the sauce by adding chopped parsley and a bit of black pepper. Your creamy lemon butter sauce is now ready to make your baked salmon a hit!

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Learning to make salmon with lemon butter is simple. I’ll guide you through making a dish that will wow your loved ones.

Preparing the Salmon

Begin by picking top-quality salmon fillets. Choose 1.5 to 1.75 pounds of fresh salmon. Follow these key steps before baking:

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
• Remove any visible pin bones using tweezers
• Place salmon on a lined baking sheet
• Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper

Baking Process

Learning to make creamy lemon butter sauce starts with baking. Preheat your oven to 425°F, with the rack in the center.

1. Prepare a marinade with lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic
2. Pour marinade over salmon fillets
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F
4. Check for flakiness with a fork

Sauce Application Tips

The secret to a great salmon dish is the lemon butter cream sauce. Prepare the sauce ahead and drizzle it over the salmon just before serving. This keeps it creamy.

Pro tip: For the best taste, serve the salmon right after adding the sauce. This keeps it warm and flavorful.

Expert Tips for Moist and Flaky Salmon

Getting the perfect baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce takes skill. I’ll share my top secrets for a moist, flaky salmon that will wow any home cook.

When making lemon cream sauce and baking salmon, temperature control is key. Here are my expert tips:

• Bring salmon to room temperature before cooking (10-15 minutes)
• Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels
• Use high-quality fresh salmon for best results
• Season generously with salt and pepper

The secret to avoiding dry salmon is to watch your cooking time closely. At 400°F, your salmon should cook for about 12-15 minutes. Look for these signs:

• Salmon should flake easily with a fork
• Center should remain slightly translucent
• Internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium-rare

For the perfect lemon cream sauce, use room temperature ingredients and whisk constantly. Adding heavy cream and fresh lemon juice will make your sauce amazing.

Remember, let your salmon rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices spread, making each bite juicy and full of flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When you make baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce and garlic, the right sides can make your meal better. I’ve found some great pairings that go well with this tasty fish dish.

Choosing the right sides for your simple lemon sauce for salmon can turn a regular dinner into a special meal.

Delicious Side Dish Recommendations

• Roasted gold potatoes (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• Steamed baby broccoli florets (2-3 cups)
• Wild rice pilaf with fresh herbs
• Crisp green salad with light vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus with garlic

Perfect Wine Pairings

The creamy, tangy lemon butter sauce goes well with certain wines. Here are some wine choices that pair well with your salmon:

• Chardonnay: Smooth and buttery, matching the sauce’s richness
• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and citrusy, echoing the lemon notes
• Pinot Noir: Light red that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish

When serving your baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce, think about how you plate it. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil can add elegance.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Wondering if you can save leftover cooked salmon? The answer is yes. You can keep your tasty baked salmon with lemon butter sauce fresh with the right storage.

Here are the key steps for storing leftover salmon with lemon butter sauce:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Use an airtight container for storage
• Keep refrigerated for no more than 2-3 days
• Store the salmon and sauce separately when possible

Reheating your salmon needs gentle care to keep it moist and flavorful. Try these methods to revive your leftover salmon:

1. Oven method: Preheat to 275°F and warm for 10-15 minutes
2. Microwave method: Heat in 30-second intervals
3. Add a splash of water or extra lemon butter sauce to prevent drying

Pro tip: Avoid freezing salmon with cream-based sauces, as the texture may separate and become unappetizing.

Creative leftovers tip: Turn your leftover salmon into a refreshing salad or pasta dish. Enjoy a second delicious meal!

Recipe Variations and Adaptations

Creating a versatile creamy lemon sauce for salmon opens up a world of culinary possibilities. I’ll share some exciting ways to customize this delightful dish to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Flavor Adaptations

My favorite simple sauce for salmon can be transformed with just a few ingredient swaps:

• Herb variations:
  • Fresh dill for a Nordic-inspired twist
  • Tarragon for a French-style flavor profile
  • Basil for a Mediterranean touch
• Spice enhancements:
  • Red pepper flakes for heat
  • Smoked paprika for depth
  • Cayenne pepper for a kick

Dietary Alternatives

For those with dietary restrictions, I’ve developed some creative substitutions:

• Dairy-free options:
  • Coconut cream instead of heavy cream
  • Plant-based butter substitutes
  • Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
• Protein alternatives:
  • Cod fillets
  • Halibut
  • Chicken breasts

Cooking Method Variations

Don’t limit yourself to baking! Try these alternative cooking techniques:

• Grilling for a smoky flavor
• Pan-searing for a crispy exterior
• Poaching for a delicate texture

Seasonal Additions

Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic creamy lemon sauce for salmon, ensuring you’ll never get bored with this versatile recipe!

Conclusion

Learning to make salmon with lemon cream sauce can turn a simple meal into a fancy restaurant dish. It’s easier than you might think. The creamy lemon butter sauce is very flexible, letting you add your own twist.

Every salmon recipe is a chance to try new flavors and cooking methods. You’ll get better at picking the right salmon and making the sauce. The secret is using fresh ingredients and finding the right mix of tastes.

This salmon recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for your family or a special dinner. It only takes 25 minutes to prepare, so you can enjoy a fancy meal without spending all day cooking. Feel free to make it your own, adjusting it to your liking and dietary needs.

Cooking is all about exploring and learning. With time, you’ll make a sauce that will wow your guests. Enjoy the journey, relish the flavors, and have fun in the kitchen!