Description
Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a rich, flavorful dish ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this salmon recipe features a creamy, garlicky sauce with a hint of lemon. Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the lemon butter cream sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Salmon
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil.
- Pat salmon fillets dry and place on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and rub evenly.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and lemon zest over fillets.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
- While salmon bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add broth and lemon juice, bringing to a simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
Step 4: Serve
- Remove salmon from oven and transfer to plates.
- Spoon sauce over each fillet.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with preferred sides.
Notes
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh dill, thyme, or chives.
- Low-Carb Sides: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted asparagus.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, creamy garlic salmon.