Irresistible Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a dish that dances on your taste buds, wrapping you in a warm embrace of buttery goodness and zesty brightness. Imagine the tender salmon, perfectly flaky, drizzled with a luscious lemon cream sauce that sings with citrusy notes and a hint of richness. It’s like the ocean just decided to throw a party in your mouth, and you’re the guest of honor.

This dish brings back memories of summer evenings spent by the grill, friends gathered around while laughter fills the air. The aroma of baking salmon wafts through the house, making everyone’s stomachs rumble in anticipation. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, this Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is sure to impress and satisfy every palate.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal; look for bright color and firm texture for best results.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that will enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for control over the saltiness in your sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This creates that rich, creamy base for our sauce; choose fresh cream for best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key; it brightens the sauce and complements the salmon beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to your sauce; opt for minced garlic cloves rather than pre-packaged versions.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds freshness but also gives a beautiful pop of color to your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with nonstick cooking spray or butter. This will ensure your salmon doesn’t stick like an uninvited guest at a party.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets skin-side down into the prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over each fillet. Remember, we want flavor here, not blandness!

Step 3: Make That Luscious Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling gently. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute—then pour in heavy cream and stir well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Lemon Goodness

Once your cream is simmering, add freshly squeezed lemon juice (the more zest, the better!) along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until creamy and dreamy.

Step 5: Pour It On!

Carefully pour this luscious lemon butter cream sauce over the seasoned salmon fillets in your baking dish. Make sure every piece gets its fair share—they deserve it!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone asking what’s cooking!

Transfer to plates and drizzle any remaining sauce over each serving for that perfect finishing touch. Serve alongside steamed veggies or fluffy rice for an unforgettable meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking. While it’s heating, prepare the salmon and lemon butter cream sauce. Bake the salmon for about 15-20 minutes while preparing your sides for a perfectly timed meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the salmon for other fish like trout or chicken if you’re feeling adventurous. Add herbs like dill or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can also incorporate capers or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce for a burst of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, ensuring it stays juicy and delicious.

Sometimes I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; everyone raved about it and asked me to share my “secret” recipe, which made me feel like a culinary rockstar!

FAQs:

What is the best way to cook Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?

Baking salmon is an excellent method to preserve its moisture and flavor. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Season the salmon fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Pour the prepared lemon butter cream sauce over the fish before placing it in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should be flaky and cooked through while the sauce adds richness.

Can I make Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. You can marinate or season your salmon fillets and make the lemon butter cream sauce up to a day before serving. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake the salmon with the sauce as per the recipe instructions, ensuring it is heated thoroughly for best results.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside steamed asparagus or sautéed greens for freshness. A quinoa salad or roasted vegetables also complements the rich flavors of the lemon butter cream sauce beautifully. Additionally, a light citrusy salad can enhance your meal while keeping it refreshing and balanced.

Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon for this recipe?

Certainly! While salmon is a popular choice due to its rich flavor, you can substitute it with other firm fish like trout or cod. Ensure that you adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness of the fish fillets you choose. The lemon butter cream sauce will still enhance whatever fish you decide to prepare, providing a zesty and creamy finish.

Conclusion for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines ease and elegance in cooking. By following simple steps, you can create a flavorful meal that impresses everyone at your table. Remember to pair it with suitable sides for a well-rounded dining experience. With its creamy texture and zesty notes, this recipe will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

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Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

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Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the rich, flaky texture of salmon with a creamy and zesty lemon sauce. This easy-to-make recipe not only impresses guests but also makes for a perfect weeknight meal. With fresh ingredients and simple steps, you’ll create a flavorful dining experience that captures the essence of summer gatherings.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish; season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in heavy cream and let it simmer gently.
4. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the sauce; mix well until combined.
5. Pour the lemon butter cream sauce over the salmon fillets evenly.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Serve warm, drizzled with any remaining sauce.

• Author: Sophia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg