Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Tender, flaky salmon is baked to perfection and drizzled with a silky, buttery lemon cream sauce that adds the perfect touch of brightness and richness. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Buttery – The lemon butter cream sauce is smooth, velvety, and indulgent.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Healthy & Protein-Packed – Loaded with omega-3s and essential nutrients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for both weeknights and special dinners.
• Customizable – Adjust seasonings, add herbs, or make it dairy-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon:

• 2-3 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• 1 tsp lemon zest

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Bake the Salmon

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-55°C).

2. Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• While the salmon is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Pour in broth and lemon juice, bringing to a simmer.
• Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard, and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Serve & Enjoy

• Drizzle the lemon butter cream sauce over the baked salmon.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
• Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
• Herb-Infused – Add fresh rosemary, dill, or basil for extra flavor.
• Extra Citrus Flavor – Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate).
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring the sauce gently, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes! Thaw completely before seasoning and baking.

What’s the best way to prevent salmon from drying out?

Bake just until it reaches 125-130°F, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge for 2 days and reheat gently before serving.

What should I serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, rice, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes! Cod, trout, or halibut work well with this sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or stir in 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half is a better option.

What’s the best Parmesan cheese to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.

How do I make it extra lemony?

Add extra lemon zest or a splash of white wine for depth.

Can I pan-sear the salmon instead of baking?

Yes! Sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Conclusion

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a luxurious, easy-to-make dish that’s packed with rich, citrusy flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy, buttery salmon is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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