Name: Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salmon fillets (fresh or frozen); Unsalted butter; Heavy cream; Fresh lemon juice; Minced garlic; Salt and pepper

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Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a culinary delight that combines the rich flavors of salmon with a creamy, zesty sauce. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this recipe is both simple and elegant. Just imagine tender salmon fillets drizzled with a luscious lemon butter cream sauce that enhances their natural flavors. In under 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. The best part? It requires minimal preparation and uses ingredients that are easy to find. So gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this delightful dish that promises to impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

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

Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen salmon works well; choose skins-on or skinless based on preference.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce; opt for full-fat heavy cream for the best texture.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor profile and brightness of the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide depth of flavor; minced garlic is preferred for ease.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors in the dish.

For the Sauce:

Dried Herbs (optional): Consider using dill or parsley to elevate the flavor of the cream sauce.

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 Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Mix Sauce Ingredients

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.

Step 4: Add Cream and Lemon Juice

Pour in heavy cream and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the saucepan. Stir continuously as it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Bake Salmon

Pour half of the lemon butter cream sauce over the salmon fillets. Bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle remaining sauce over each fillet for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Select Fresh Fish: Always choose fresh salmon from a reputable source for optimal taste.
Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer; salmon should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
Add Vegetables: For a complete meal, consider roasting asparagus or broccoli alongside your salmon.

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce will undoubtedly become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire! Enjoy its delightful taste while reaping its health benefits!

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the lemon butter cream sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat gently on low heat before serving, stirring frequently.
Storing: Leftover baked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet covered with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 15 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the fish tender.

Suggestions for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Choose the Right Type of Salmon

Selecting the correct type of salmon is essential for this dish. Fresh wild-caught salmon often has a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to farmed salmon. If you opt for farmed salmon, ensure it is sustainably sourced. Additionally, consider the cut of salmon; fillets work best for even cooking, while steaks can be more challenging to bake evenly. Always inspect the fish for freshness—look for bright coloration and a clean smell. Choosing high-quality salmon sets the stage for a delicious baked dish with lemon butter cream sauce.

Avoid Overcooking the Salmon

Overcooking salmon can lead to a dry and unappetizing meal. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked fish. Monitor your baking time closely, as cooking times can vary based on thickness. A good rule of thumb is to bake salmon for about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness at 375°F (190°C). Consider using a meat thermometer to check doneness without cutting into your salmon, which helps retain moisture and flavor.

Don’t Skip the Marinade

Marinating your salmon enhances its flavor profile significantly. A simple mixture of lemon juice, butter, garlic, and herbs infuses the fish with delicious tastes that complement the cream sauce beautifully. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking. This step not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the fish, making it moist and delectable when paired with lemon butter cream sauce.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in your baked salmon dish. Fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality butter elevate your lemon butter cream sauce to new heights. Look for seasonal produce to enhance flavor and nutrition in your dish. When possible, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled juice to achieve a brighter taste in your sauce. These small changes can significantly impact both flavor and presentation.

FAQs

What sides pair well with Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?

Baked salmon pairs wonderfully with light and healthy sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach drizzled with olive oil and lemon zest. A side of roasted vegetables adds color and texture, enhancing the overall meal experience. For those who enjoy grains, quinoa or couscous with fresh herbs can provide a lovely base that soaks up any extra sauce beautifully.

Can I make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon butter cream sauce ahead of time! Simply cook it as directed until it thickens slightly, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on low heat while stirring continuously until warmed through. This saves time when preparing your baked salmon dinner and allows you to focus on other components of your meal.

How do I store leftovers from Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?

To store leftovers safely, place them in an airtight container within two hours after cooking. The baked salmon can last in the refrigerator for up to three days if stored properly. Reheat gently in an oven or microwave until warmed through but avoid overcooking again to maintain its moisture. The lemon butter cream sauce should also be stored separately and reheated gently to preserve its creamy texture.

Can I substitute other proteins instead of Salmon?

Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce, other fish like cod or halibut can work well too due to their mild flavors and flaky textures. You may also experiment with chicken breasts or shrimp if you’re looking for alternative proteins that pair nicely with creamy sauces. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein chosen to ensure optimal results.

Conclusion for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is an exquisite dish that combines rich flavors and healthy ingredients into one delightful meal. Selecting high-quality salmon is vital; this choice greatly impacts taste and texture. Avoiding overcooking ensures that each bite remains juicy and tender while enhancing flavors through marination plays a crucial role in creating depth in taste.

Using fresh ingredients elevates your dish further—fresh herbs and lemons make a world of difference! Pairing suitable sides will complete this culinary experience perfectly while allowing leftovers to be stored safely brings practicality into play. Overall, take these tips into account as you craft your own unforgettable version of this delicious recipe!