Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe: Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce. This delightful meal is not only easy to whip up, but it also brings a burst of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing dinner after a long day or hosting family and friends for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to shine on your table.

What makes this salmon dish truly special is the creamy, garlicky lemon sauce that elevates the tender, flaky fish to new heights. Your taste buds will dance with joy as you savor every bite! Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this dish fits perfectly into any busy schedule.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of lemon butter cream sauce and garlic creates a mouthwatering experience that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
• Impress Your Guests: Serve this at your next gathering and watch your friends rave about how delicious it is!
• Healthy Choice: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
• Customizable: This recipe allows for easy tweaks based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Each one plays an important role in creating that rich flavor we all adore.

For the Marinade

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons old-style Dijon mustard

For the Salmon

• 5 skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz./150 grams each)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt (to taste)

For the Cream Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic cloves
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon parsley (finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon slices for serving

Variations

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts instead of salmon for a different twist on this dish.
• Add veggies: Toss in some asparagus or broccoli while baking to create a complete meal in one pan.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a hint of heat!

How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F /220°C. This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly when it hits the hot air.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 2 tablespoons of old-style Dijon mustard. Mixing these together creates a flavorful marinade that will enhance the salmon’s taste.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

Place your 5 skinless salmon fillets into a skillet. Pour the marinade over them and gently rub it in. Season with ½ teaspoon ground black pepper and salt to your liking. Letting them marinate while you prepare other parts allows those flavors to soak into the fish beautifully.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Transfer your seasoned salmon into the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes. You want them cooked through but still moist and flaky—watching closely ensures perfect results!

Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce

While your salmon is baking, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat. Once melted, add in 1 ½ tablespoons of minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant—this takes about 30 seconds. It’s essential because this step infuses flavor right into your sauce!

Step 6: Add Heavy Cream

Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and bring it to a boil while stirring gently. The heat will help thicken your lovely sauce as it simmers—keep an eye on it!

Step 7: Finish The Sauce

Once thickened slightly, remove from heat. Stir in additional lemon juice if desired, along with parsley and seasonings. This garnishing adds freshness right before serving!

Step 8: Serve It Up!

After baking, pour that luscious sauce generously over your salmon fillets. Let them rest for about 5-10 minutes so all those flavors meld together. Serve with lemon slices on the side for extra zest—enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Cooking can be a joy, and with these helpful tips, you’ll elevate your baked salmon dish to perfection!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and homemade lemon juice make all the difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the natural taste of your dish and contribute to a more vibrant overall experience.

• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Monitor the cooking time closely and remove the salmon when it easily flakes with a fork. Overcooking can lead to dry salmon, while perfectly cooked salmon will remain tender and juicy.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference. Everyone’s palate is different, and adjusting seasoning ensures that you create a dish that suits your taste perfectly.

• Make Extra Sauce: If you’re a fan of creamy sauces, consider doubling the sauce recipe. This way, you can drizzle extra over side dishes or use it as a dip for bread.

• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the fillets, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Presentation is key when serving this delectable dish! Here are some ideas to help you serve it beautifully and make it an unforgettable meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill adds color and freshness, enhancing both appearance and flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Grating some lemon zest on top right before serving brightens up the dish with an extra citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a pop of color and provides a slightly crunchy texture that complements the flakiness of the salmon.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs offers a nutritious contrast while soaking up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots brings both sweetness and earthiness to balance out the rich flavors of the dish.

With these garnishing ideas and side suggestions, your Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce will not only taste amazing but look stunning on any table! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing.
• Place the salmon in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the lemon butter cream sauce in a separate container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• For the sauce, freeze it in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 1 month.

Reheating

• Thaw salmon overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
• If reheating the sauce, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore consistency.

FAQs

Have questions about this delicious recipe? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use different fish for the Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?

Absolutely! You can substitute salmon with other flaky fish like trout or cod. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary.

How do I know when my baked salmon is done?

Your baked salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I prepare the lemon butter cream sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the lemon butter cream sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

What side dishes pair well with Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce as much as I do! It’s not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress. Happy cooking!