Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked salmon fillet with a rich, velvety lemon butter cream sauce draped over it. Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a dish that’s simple yet elegant, rich yet light, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this flaky, flavorful salmon is always a winner.

What makes this recipe truly special is the balance of flavors. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth salmon pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy, and slightly garlicky lemon butter sauce. A hint of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon take it to the next level, making it both refreshing and indulgent at the same time.

The best part? This dish comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of ingredients. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something healthy, filling, and absolutely delicious. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of fluffy rice, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce, and here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to salmon recipe.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. There’s no complicated prep work, no fancy techniques, and no need to stand over the stove. Just season the salmon, pop it in the oven, whisk up the creamy lemon butter sauce, and dinner is ready.

Second, the flavor is absolutely irresistible. The buttery salmon is rich and flaky, while the lemon butter cream sauce adds the perfect balance of zesty freshness and indulgent creaminess. A touch of garlic and herbs enhances every bite, making it restaurant-worthy.

Finally, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t taste “healthy”. Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins, while the creamy sauce makes it feel like a gourmet treat. Pair it with roasted asparagus or quinoa for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of thyme, oregano, and parsley)

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Season and Bake the Salmon

1. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the fillets.
3. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs, rubbing the seasoning gently into the fish.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

1. While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
4. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Remove the salmon from the oven and place on serving plates.
2. Spoon the warm lemon butter cream sauce over the fillets.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.
4. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Ingredient Background

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures. Let’s take a closer look at why they work so well together.

Salmon is one of the most nutritious fish available, packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. Baking salmon at a moderate temperature helps retain its natural juiciness while allowing the seasonings to enhance its rich flavor.

Olive oil keeps the salmon moist and helps the seasonings adhere to the fillets, creating a slightly crisp, golden crust when baked.

Lemon juice adds a bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the salmon and cream sauce, giving the dish a well-balanced flavor.

Heavy cream forms the base of the luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce, making it thick enough to coat the salmon perfectly.

Parmesan cheese gives the sauce an extra depth of umami flavor while helping to thicken it naturally. It also pairs beautifully with lemon and garlic, creating an irresistible creamy texture.

Garlic adds a bold, aromatic kick that enhances the butter and cream. Cooking it in butter first helps mellow out the sharpness, allowing its natural sweetness to shine.

Technique Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Making restaurant-quality salmon at home is easier than you think, but a few simple techniques can make all the difference.

To prevent dry salmon, don’t overbake it. The perfect internal temperature is 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium doneness. It will continue cooking slightly once removed from the oven, reaching about 135°F for a perfectly flaky texture.

For extra flavor, let the seasoned salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the fillet, resulting in a deeper, richer taste.

When making the lemon butter cream sauce, stir constantly while adding the Parmesan cheese to prevent it from clumping. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of warm broth or milk to adjust the consistency.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Looking to switch up the presentation or impress guests? Here are some creative ways to serve this dish:

For an elegant plated dinner, serve the salmon over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or herbed risotto, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with fresh microgreens.

If you want a lighter option, pair the salmon with a fresh arugula salad, quinoa, or roasted asparagus for a healthy, well-balanced meal.

Hosting a dinner party? Slice the salmon into smaller portions and serve on a platter, drizzled with sauce and topped with thinly sliced lemons for a stunning presentation.

Freezing and Storing Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salmon and sauce separately for the best results.

• Place cooked salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Store the lemon butter cream sauce in a sealed container for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

To keep the salmon from drying out:

• Oven method: Preheat to 300°F (150°C), place the salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Stovetop method: Reheat the salmon in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
• Microwave method: Heat in short 20-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

For the sauce, reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. If it thickens too much, add a little broth or milk to thin it out.

Freezing Tips

• While the salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months, the sauce does not freeze well due to the cream. Instead, make a fresh batch when reheating.
• To freeze, wrap the cooked salmon in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to lighten up this dish while keeping it delicious? Here are some easy swaps:

For a lower-calorie version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. This still creates a creamy sauce but with less fat.

If you’re watching sodium, reduce the Parmesan cheese and salt and enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill.

For a dairy-free option, swap out butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy but lighter and plant-based.

Serving Suggestions for Events

This dish is versatile enough for any occasion, from a cozy dinner to a fancy gathering.

For a romantic date night, serve it with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, and a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

For family dinners, pair it with a simple side of steamed veggies, brown rice, or quinoa for a balanced meal that everyone will love.

For holiday meals, plate the salmon over creamy risotto or scalloped potatoes, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Thaw frozen salmon completely before baking for the best texture. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning.

2. What if my sauce is too thin?

Simmer it for a few extra minutes, or stir in a little more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.

3. Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?

Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, then drizzle with the lemon butter cream sauce before serving.

4. How do I make the sauce less tangy?

If the lemon flavor is too strong, add a pinch of sugar or extra cream to balance it out.

5. Can I make this sauce without Parmesan?

Yes! Substitute with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese for a similar depth of flavor.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.

7. What’s the best type of salmon to use?

Wild-caught salmon (like sockeye or coho) has a stronger, richer flavor, while Atlantic salmon is milder and more buttery. Both work well in this recipe.

8. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on low, adding a splash of milk if needed.

9. Can I substitute milk for cream in the sauce?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For a creamy consistency, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch.

10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

Conclusion

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is an easy yet gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, buttery texture and fresh lemony tang, it’s a dish that feels fancy but takes minimal effort. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Give it a try, experiment with flavors, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!

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