Description
This Baked Salmon with Zesty Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a quick and elegant meal featuring tender salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy lemon butter cream sauce. The combination of garlic, lemon zest, and fresh parsley adds brightness and depth to the dish, making it a perfect option for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, drizzle them evenly with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked yet moist.
- Make the lemon butter cream sauce: While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle the warm lemon butter cream sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets based on your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and heavy cream with olive oil and coconut cream respectively.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its moist and tender texture.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh citrus twist when served alongside.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
