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Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 40-50 minutes

Description

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a decadent yet simple dish that elevates the natural flavors of salmon. The salmon fillets are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then gently baked until perfectly tender and flaky. The creamy lemon butter sauce is a rich, velvety blend of butter, heavy cream, and fresh lemon juice, with hints of garlic and herbs. It’s drizzled generously over the baked salmon, infusing the fish with a tangy, buttery goodness. This dish is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and bright, ideal for a special dinner or any time you want to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

  • For the Salmon:
    • 4 boneless, skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for added flavor)
  • For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a little tang)
    • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and protein, salmon is a healthy and flavorful fish that makes a perfect main dish.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the salmon fillets before baking, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest bring a refreshing brightness to the dish, cutting through the richness of the salmon and cream sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich. It’s the key to the creamy texture of the sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps to create a smooth texture.
  • Garlic: Garlic enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish, giving it depth and complexity.

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help achieve a crisp texture when baking.
  3. Season the Salmon: Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. You can also sprinkle some lemon zest on top for extra flavor. Rub the seasonings evenly over the salmon.
  4. Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).

Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

  1. Melt the Butter: While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version) and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reducing the heat to low. Stir occasionally and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra tang, add Dijon mustard and stir to incorporate. For a richer sauce, you can also stir in some grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Simmer and Stir: Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Serve the Salmon: Once the salmon fillets are done baking, remove them from the oven and place them on serving plates.
  2. Pour the Sauce: Spoon the warm lemon butter cream sauce over each salmon fillet. Make sure to drizzle it generously over the fish.
  3. Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450-500 kcal
  • Fat: 33g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Protein: 35g

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Find it online: https://quickerbites.com/baked-salmon-with-lemon-butter-cream-sauce/