Tangy Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Seafood enthusiasts will absolutely adore this baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce that brings restaurant-quality elegance right to your dinner table.

Fresh salmon fillets create a luxurious centerpiece for any meal.

The creamy, tangy sauce perfectly complements the rich fish, delivering incredible depth of flavor.

Omega-3 packed salmon becomes an irresistible delicacy when prepared with this simple yet sophisticated technique.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of tender fish and velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

This recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

Prepare to impress your guests with this mouthwatering culinary creation that balances delicate flavors and elegant presentation.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Baked Salmon

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Refresh your salmon with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose citrusy notes perfectly complement the lemon butter sauce and cut through the richness.
• Elevate with Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Create a delightful side dish of golden, crispy potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme, which will beautifully absorb the creamy lemon sauce and add textural contrast.
• Match with Asparagus Salad: Toss tender-crisp asparagus with a light lemon vinaigrette, bringing a fresh, green element that echoes the bright flavors of the salmon's sauce and provides a nutritious accompaniment.
• Serve Sparkling Water with Lemon: Add a zesty, palate-cleansing beverage that mirrors the recipe's citrus profile, helping to refresh your taste buds between bites of the rich, creamy salmon.

Creative Takes on Baked Salmon

• Gluten-Free Salmon Delight: Swap Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to keep the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Replace cream with coconut cream and use ghee instead of butter to create a keto-friendly version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and thyme into the marinade, and substitute olive oil with a blend of Mediterranean herb-infused oils for an authentic regional touch.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew cream instead of heavy cream and replace butter with plant-based butter alternatives to create a lactose-free version that preserves the original recipe's creamy texture and taste.

FAQs

• Is this salmon recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this baked salmon recipe is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. The steps are straightforward, and the marinade and sauce are easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before marinating. Frozen salmon works well, but fresh salmon will give the best flavor and texture.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.

• How do I know if the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking, as salmon can quickly become dry and tough.

Why Baked Salmon in Cream Sauce Stands Out

• Infuse salmon with a zesty mixture of lemon, garlic, and olive oil to create a mouthwatering base that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• This restaurant-quality recipe looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home chefs wanting to create a stunning meal without complicated techniques.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, allowing versatility for different dietary needs or flavor combinations while maintaining the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup with a straightforward baking method that combines salmon and sauce preparation, reducing dishes and saving precious time during meal preparation.

Ingredients for Creamy Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish with a rich, buttery flavor that serves as the star of the dish.

• Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard, Garlic: A zesty mixture that infuses the salmon with bright and savory flavors.

• Unsalted Butter, Heavy Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and luxurious sauce.
• Garlic, Parsley, Lemon Juice: Additional ingredients that enhance the sauce's depth and freshness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and sauce.

How to Make Salmon with Cream Sauce

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

Whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl.

Create a smooth mixture that will lovingly coat the salmon.

Gently place salmon fillets in a baking dish, pour the marinade over them, and massage it into every crevice to infuse maximum flavor.

Step 2: Season and Prep

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the salmon.

Let the fillets rest in the marinade while the oven warms up, allowing the flavors to mingle and penetrate the fish.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Fire up the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Position the salmon on the center rack and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Look for opaque, flaky flesh that easily separates with a fork.

Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat.

• Minced garlic
• Heavy cream
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Sauté garlic for 20 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.

Let the sauce thicken slightly.

Add an extra splash of lemon juice for tang.

Season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove salmon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Drizzle the luxurious lemon butter cream sauce over the fillets.

Garnish with lemon slices for an extra zingy touch.

Prepare for a mouth-watering culinary experience!

Creamy Salmon Recipe Tips

• Let salmon sit in the lemon-olive oil mixture for 10-15 minutes before baking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Check salmon's doneness by its color and texture – it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, typically taking 10-15 minutes at 425°F depending on fillet thickness.
• Stir cream sauce constantly and maintain low-medium heat to prevent burning or separating, allowing it to thicken naturally without becoming too runny.
• Adjust lemon butter cream sauce by adding extra lemon juice for tanginess or a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
• Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets with firm, bright coloration for the best texture and most robust flavor in your final dish.

Storing Salmon in Cream Sauce

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with the cream sauce, as it may separate when thawed.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Add a splash of water or cream to maintain moisture.
• Use low power setting, cover salmon with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Check temperature between intervals to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.

Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets zesty lemon butter cream sauce in this elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from home kitchens. Delicate fish and silky sauce blend beautifully, offering you a quick gourmet meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 salmon fillets (skinless), about 150 g / 5 ounces each
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons old style Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic cloves (minced)
• 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon parsley (finely chopped)
• Lemon slices, for serving

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty marinade by whisking lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well-combined.
2. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish, thoroughly coat with the marinade, ensuring even coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
3. Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the salmon, allowing it to marinate while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Position salmon on the center rack and bake for 10-15 minutes, monitoring for opaque, flaky texture that easily separates with a fork.
5. During baking, prepare the cream sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
6. Add minced garlic to the butter, sautéing briefly until fragrant without browning.
7. Gradually pour heavy cream into the butter mixture, stirring continuously until it reaches a gentle boil and slightly thickens.
8. Enhance sauce with an extra splash of lemon juice, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley into the sauce for added color and flavor.
10. Remove salmon from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution.
11. Generously drizzle lemon butter cream sauce over the salmon fillets.
12. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately for optimal taste and presentation.

Notes

• Marinate the salmon for extra flavor absorption by letting it sit in the lemon mixture while the oven preheats, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Prevent overcooking by checking salmon’s doneness with a fork; the fish should be opaque and easily flake, maintaining its tender, moist texture.
• Customize the sauce thickness by adjusting cream and lemon juice quantities, creating a personalized consistency that complements the salmon perfectly.
• Adapt the recipe for dietary restrictions by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or using ghee instead of butter for a lactose-sensitive alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg