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Baked 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
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
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