Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. Tender salmon fillets are baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy sauce that brings out the best flavors.

Ingredients

• 5 skinless salmon fillets, about 150 g (5 oz) each
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons old style Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1½ tablespoons garlic cloves, minced
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the salmon develop a lightly browned finish.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to create the marinade.
3. Step 3: Place the salmon fillets in a skillet or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, coating each piece thoroughly. Gently massage the marinade into the fillets. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until opaque and easily flaked with a fork.
5. Step 5: While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
6. Step 6: Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle boil. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in additional lemon juice for extra tang, if desired.
7. Step 7: Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Pour the lemon butter cream sauce over the baked salmon. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to soak in.
9. Step 9: Serve the salmon garnished with lemon slices.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika or fresh dill over the salmon before baking.
• Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Try adding capers to the sauce for a briny twist.
• If you prefer crispy skin, bake the salmon skin-on and sear the skin side down briefly before baking.

Storage

Store leftover baked salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. The sauce can be reheated separately on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and baking to ensure even cooking.

Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard in the marinade?

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with whole grain mustard or omit it altogether for a milder taste.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews

This elegant baked salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets marinated in a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard blend, then baked to perfection. Topped with a luscious homemade lemon butter cream sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for a sophisticated yet easy dinner that combines bright citrus flavors with rich, creamy textures.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Marinade

• 5 salmon fillets (skinless), about 150 g / 5 oz each
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons old style Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

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

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot enough for the salmon to develop a lightly browned, flavorful crust while baking.
2. Mix up the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Prep the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish or skillet. Pour the marinade over the fillets, coating each one thoroughly. Massage the marinade gently into the salmon. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
4. Bake: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily when done.
5. Make the sauce: While the salmon bakes, melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low to medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle boil, and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in lemon juice if a tangier sauce is desired.
6. Finish with parsley: Remove the sauce from heat, stir in finely chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Pour the warm lemon butter cream sauce over the baked salmon fillets. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving. Garnish with lemon slices as desired.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overbake the salmon; it should remain moist and tender.
• You can substitute half and half for heavy cream in the sauce for a lighter option.
• Add extra lemon juice to the sauce for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
• Garlic can be adjusted according to taste preferences.
• Leftover sauce can be refrigerated and gently reheated for another meal.

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, creamy salmon, healthy dinner, easy seafood recipe, garlic lemon sauce