Oh, let me tell you about baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is ridiculously easy to whip up. I mean, who doesn’t love perfectly flaky salmon smothered in a creamy, zesty sauce that just sings of summer? Seriously, the combination of the rich butter and bright lemon elevates the salmon to a whole new level! This dish is my go-to for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat—just like I do!

Ingredients List

4 salmon fillets: Fresh, skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces each. Look for vibrant color and firm texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin is best for a richer flavor; it helps keep the salmon moist while baking.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the salmon to enhance its natural flavors.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy—don’t skimp on it!
1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce; I love using unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for that bright, zesty punch in the sauce.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Grated from the lemon peel, this really kicks up the lemon flavor in the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a wonderful aromatic flavor; don’t be shy with it!
Fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle on top adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.

How to Prepare Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Preparing baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce is super simple! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner in no time. Trust me, it’s all about timing and a little love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your salmon cooks evenly and comes out perfectly flaky.
While the oven heats, place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil. This makes for easy cleanup!
Drizzle the fillets with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy—seasoning is key to enhancing that beautiful salmon flavor!
Pop the salmon in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook!
While the salmon bakes, let’s make the heavenly sauce. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. The aroma is already making my mouth water!
Once the butter’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—nobody likes burnt garlic!
Now, stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
When the salmon’s ready, serve it up with that luscious lemon butter cream sauce drizzled on top. And don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Rich, creamy lemon butter sauce that elevates the salmon beautifully.
Fresh ingredients come together for a delicious, healthy meal.
Impressive enough for entertaining guests while being simple enough for everyday dinners.
Customizable with your favorite herbs or sides to suit any palate.

Tips for Success

To make your baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh salmon—trust me, it makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. When seasoning, remember that less is more; a little salt and pepper go a long way in enhancing the salmon’s natural taste. For the sauce, keep an eye on the heat; you want it to thicken, but not boil. Stir continuously to get that perfect creamy consistency. And if you want to elevate the dish even more, add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a delightful twist! Enjoy the process—cooking should be fun!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to customize your baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce! Try swapping out the parsley for fresh dill or basil for a different herbal twist. If you want to add some veggies, consider layering thin slices of zucchini or asparagus on the baking sheet with the salmon—they’ll roast beautifully alongside it. For a spicy kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce. And if you’re a fan of mustard, a tablespoon of Dijon can add a zesty depth to the cream sauce. Enjoy experimenting!

Nutritional Information

When you whip up this baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce, you’re treating yourself to a nourishing meal! Each serving (1 fillet with sauce) is estimated to have around 350 calories, 30g of fat, and 25g of protein. You’ll also get 2g of carbohydrates and just 1g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a delicious and healthy choice you can feel good about!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. It’ll still come out delicious with that creamy lemon butter sauce.

How can I tell when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Don’t worry if it’s still a bit opaque; it’ll continue to cook slightly after you take it out!

Can I make the lemon butter cream sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently on the stove before drizzling it over your baked salmon.

What should I serve with baked salmon?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or even a fresh salad. You can’t go wrong with some roasted potatoes either—yum!

Can I substitute the heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. Just keep in mind that it may alter the richness of the sauce slightly.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce, the options are endless! I love pairing it with fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up that creamy sauce—so good! Steamed asparagus or green beans make a fresh and vibrant side that complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs are a perfect match. And let’s not forget a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance everything out. Trust me, any of these sides will elevate your meal to the next level!

For more delicious recipes, check out all our recipes!

For a great side dish, consider making garlic parmesan roasted vegetables to complement your salmon!

Learn more about the health benefits of salmon here.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: 7 Irresistible Tips

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce is a delicious and easy dish to prepare. The creamy sauce complements the salmon perfectly.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve salmon with the lemon butter cream sauce on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Adjust lemon juice according to your taste.
Use fresh salmon for the best flavor.
Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, creamy salmon dish

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