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Elegant yet incredibly easy, this Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together effortlessly at home. Perfectly baked salmon fillets are tender, flaky, and infused with flavor, then finished with a silky lemon butter cream sauce that’s rich, bright, and irresistibly smooth.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this dish delivers comfort, freshness, and sophistication in every bite.

⏱️ Recipe Info

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American / European-Inspired
  • Difficulty: Easy

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & fuss-free: Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Rich and balanced: Creamy butter sauce with a fresh citrus kick
  • Versatile: Pairs beautifully with grains, veggies, or salads
  • Impressive: Perfect for guests with minimal effort

🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔥 Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

🐟 Prepare the Salmon

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic.

🍽️ Bake the Salmon

  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

🍋 Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream.
  5. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

✨ Combine & Serve

  1. Remove the salmon from the oven.
  2. Spoon the warm lemon butter cream sauce over each fillet.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
  4. Serve immediately.

💡 Tips

  • Use fresh, high-quality salmon for best results
  • Avoid overcooking—salmon should remain moist and flaky
  • Taste the sauce and adjust lemon for the perfect balance

🔄 Variations

  • Add capers for a briny, tangy twist
  • Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce
  • Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Can I reheat the sauce?
Yes, reheat gently over low heat to maintain its creamy texture.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
  • Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
  • Add crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce

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