Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

If you’re looking for an easy, elegant meal that delivers on both flavor and presentation, this Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a must-try. Tender salmon fillets are oven-roasted to perfection and served with a luscious lemon-infused cream sauce that’s buttery, bright, and downright delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Rich and Zesty – Creamy lemon butter sauce adds luxurious flavor without overpowering the salmon.
Healthy and Hearty – Salmon is loaded with omega-3s and high-quality protein.
Beautiful Presentation – A show-stopping dish that’s simple to prepare.
Versatile – Pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Lemon slices for baking

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish and Serving:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet or dish
Parchment paper or foil
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Zester or fine grater
Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
4. Rub each fillet with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. Place lemon slices on top of each fillet and arrange them on the baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Salmon

1. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
2. Remove from the oven and tent with foil while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
4. Gradually add broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for 5-6 minutes until it thickens.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt completely into the sauce.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

1. Place each salmon fillet on a serving plate.
2. Spoon the lemon butter cream sauce generously over the top.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.
4. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite green vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
Don’t Overbake – Salmon is best when moist and flaky, not dry.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled juice lacks the brightness of fresh.
Taste as You Go – Adjust salt, lemon, and Parmesan in the sauce to suit your preference.
Add a Dash of Spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes can add subtle heat to the sauce.
Prep Ahead – Season salmon in advance and refrigerate for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting to soak up the sauce.
Steamed Asparagus – Adds color and a healthy crunch.
Wild Rice or Quinoa – Nutty and hearty base for the salmon.
Mixed Green Salad – Lightens the meal with fresh greens and vinaigrette.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store salmon and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the cooked salmon without sauce for up to 2 months. The cream sauce is best made fresh.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm salmon in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Stovetop: Reheat sauce gently in a pan with a splash of cream or broth to loosen.
Microwave: Heat salmon in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   Half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter works in a pinch but will be less rich.
3. Is the skin on or off?
   Either is fine—if keeping the skin, bake skin-side down and remove it after baking if desired.
4. Can I add herbs to the sauce?
   Absolutely—thyme or dill pair wonderfully with lemon and cream.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Try coconut cream and a dairy-free butter substitute for a different, still delicious version.

Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a delicious way to elevate your dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flaky salmon and rich, tangy sauce hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and fresh. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish is sure to impress.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 29g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 390mg

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