Name: Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salmon fillets skinless – 5, about 150 g/5 oz each; Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 2 tablespoons; Olive oil – 1 tablespoon; Garlic cloves minced – 1; Old style Dijon mustard – 2 tablespoons; Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon; Salt to taste; Unsalted butter – ¼ cup; Garlic cloves minced – 1 ½ tablespoons; Heavy cream or half and half – ½ cup; Freshly squeezed lemon juice – 1-2 tablespoons optional; Parsley finely chopped – 1 tablespoon; Ground black pepper – ½ teaspoon; Lemon slices for serving

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If you’re looking for a mouthwatering salmon recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, then look no further than Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce recipe

This one-skillet dish is perfect for busy weeknights or even a special dinner when you want to impress your guests. With just 20 minutes of preparation and cooking time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

In this article, we’ll go over the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making this delectable dish. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your baked salmon turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
Versatile: Pair it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or homemade pasta for a complete meal.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The lemon butter cream sauce elevates the dish to gourmet status, making it ideal for entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

Salmon fillets (skinless): 5 fillets, approximately 150 g (5 oz) each
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves (minced): 1 clove
Old-style Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons
Ground black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Salt: To taste

For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:

Unsalted butter: ¼ cup
Garlic cloves (minced): 1 ½ tablespoons
Heavy cream or half and half: ½ cup
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: 1–2 tablespoons (optional)
Parsley (finely chopped): 1 tablespoon
Ground black pepper: ½ teaspoon
Lemon slices: For serving

Equipment:

Fine grater
Pepper mill
Oven-safe skillet or baking dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the center. This temperature ensures that the salmon cooks evenly while retaining its moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Mix well until fully combined.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Pour the marinade mixture over the fillets and rub it in gently to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle ground black pepper and salt over the salmon to taste.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

While the salmon is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream or half and half, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer until it thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using). Garnish with finely chopped parsley and season with ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the salmon is done baking, pour the warm lemon butter cream sauce over the fillets. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, or pasta.

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon

Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are bright in color and have a mild scent.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked salmon can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on your fillets while they bake and use a fork to check for doneness.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the amount of lemon juice in the sauce to suit your taste preferences. For a tangier flavor, add more lemon; for a milder flavor, use less.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can prepare everything in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before applying the marinade.

Q2: Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half and half or even coconut cream as a substitute for heavy cream. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the sauce.

Q3: How do I know when my salmon is cooked?

Salmon is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and no longer translucent.

Q4: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q5: What sides pair well with baked salmon?

Baked salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (like asparagus or Brussels sprouts), steamed rice, or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on four servings):

Calories: 261 kcal
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 230 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g

Final Thoughts

This recipe for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. With its creamy sauce and perfectly baked salmon fillets, it’s a meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try tonight! Your taste buds will thank you.