Zesty Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Salmon shines in this decadent lemon butter cream sauce recipe that promises pure culinary elegance.

Rich, velvety flavors dance across your palate with each succulent bite.

The delicate fish practically melts against a silky backdrop of tangy cream.

Bright citrus notes cut through the buttery richness, creating a balanced and sophisticated dish.

Fresh herbs add an aromatic complexity that elevates this seafood classic.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy meal you can craft in your own kitchen.

This recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need For Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and enhances flavor absorption.
• Salt: Brings out the natural taste of salmon and balances overall seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the fish's flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic warmth and complexity to the salmon.
• Paprika: Introduces a mild smoky note and beautiful reddish color.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers a blend of herbal undertones that complement the fish.

• Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, vibrant pink fillets with firm texture and no strong fishy odor, preferably wild-caught for richer flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish with tangy freshness and helps tenderize the salmon's proteins.

Tools Required For Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• Baking Dish: Non-stick or glass dish for cooking salmon.
• Parchment Paper: Optional lining for easy cleanup.
• Pastry Brush: Used for drizzling olive oil evenly over salmon.
• Fork: To check salmon's doneness by flaking.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning measurements.
• Sharp Knife: To squeeze and cut lemon.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Steps To Make Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect cozy environment for your salmon’s delicious journey.

• Prepare the Cooking Surface

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or line with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

• Season and Dress the Salmon

Gently pat your salmon fillets dry, then lovingly drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle a dance of seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian herbs – across the surface.

• Add a Zesty Splash

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, bringing a bright, tangy whisper to your dish.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the waiting oven and let the salmon cook for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish breaks apart effortlessly with a gentle touch of your fork, revealing its tender, flaky heart.

Helpful Tips For Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle chopped dill, parsley, or chives on top of the salmon just before serving for an extra burst of fresh flavor and aromatic touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace any potential wheat-based seasonings with certified gluten-free herbs and spices to make the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap the butter in the cream sauce with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for those who enjoy a bit of heat, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Protein Pairing Perfection: Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens to create a complete and nutritious meal that complements the rich flavors of the fish.

How To Present Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• Salmon Serenade Platter: Arrange the baked salmon on a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice, garnishing with fresh dill and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.
• Coastal Veggie Companion: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or a crisp Mediterranean salad to balance the rich salmon and creamy sauce.
• Sauce Drizzle Drama: Generously pour the lemon butter cream sauce over the salmon just before serving, allowing it to cascade elegantly and enhance the fish's delicate flavor.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to elevate the dining experience and cut through the sauce's richness.

Keeping Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always place the container on the bottom shelf to prevent potential drips onto other foods.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Frozen salmon maintains quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Reheating Rescue: Gently warm salmon in a preheated oven at 275F for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can dry out the delicate fish and compromise its tender texture.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare salmon fillets in advance and store them uncooked in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before baking. Keep seasoned fillets in a sealed container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain optimal flavor.

Luxurious Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens. Rich herbed butter and delicate fish create an elegant dinner experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried thyme)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the salmon.
2. Prepare Baking Surface: Oil a baking dish or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
3. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, ensuring a surface ready to absorb seasonings and develop a crisp exterior.
4. Season and Dress: Arrange fillets in the prepared dish, drizzle with olive oil, and generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning across the surface.
5. Add Citrus Accent: Squeeze fresh lemon juice evenly over the seasoned salmon, infusing a bright, tangy flavor profile.
6. Roast to Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by gently testing with a fork – the fish should flake easily and appear opaque throughout.

Notes

• Control Moisture Carefully: Pat salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
• Space Salmon Strategically: Leave enough room between fillets in the baking dish to ensure uniform heat circulation and prevent uneven cooking.
• Monitor Cooking Time Precisely: Check salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; fish should be slightly translucent in center and flake easily with fork for optimal tenderness.
• Customize Seasoning Flexibly: Adapt spice blend for dietary preferences by using salt-free herbs for low-sodium diets or replacing paprika with smoked alternatives for deeper flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg