Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Salmon drizzled with lemon butter cream sauce promises a culinary adventure that melts in your mouth.

The delicate fish pairs beautifully with rich, tangy notes.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright citrus undertones.

Home chefs adore this elegant yet simple dish that impresses without complicated techniques.

Each bite brings a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired this remarkable recipe that feels both classic and contemporary.

You’ll find this combination irresistibly smooth and incredibly satisfying.

Grab your apron and let’s create something extraordinary that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, center-cut fillets with even thickness for consistent cooking, skin-on or skinless depending on preference.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice combination for enhancing salmon's natural flavor, adding depth and warmth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and promotes even browning of salmon, adds subtle richness.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that tenderizes fish and provides a fresh, zesty flavor profile.

• Parchment Paper or Baking Dish: Non-stick surface for easy salmon cooking and clean-up, prevents sticking and helps maintain moisture.

Steps for Baked Salmon With Creamy Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Oven for Baking

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures your salmon will slide right off without any fuss.

Step 2: Prep the Salmon Fillets

Take your fresh salmon fillets and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This little trick helps the seasonings stick better and creates a beautiful golden exterior. Place the fillets in your prepared baking dish, ready for their flavor transformation.

Step 3: Season with Flavor Explosion

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Each spice adds a layer of incredible taste that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Step 4: Add Zesty Citrus Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seasoned salmon. The bright, tangy citrus will cut through the richness of the fish and add a refreshing twist to your dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the salmon cook for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish easily flakes apart with a gentle nudge of a fork. The color should be a beautiful opaque pink, and the edges might have a slight golden-brown crisp.

Pro Tips for Rich Flavor and Tender Fish

• Seal in Moisture: Pat salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming, which helps achieve perfect texture.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with different herb blends like dill, thyme, or za'atar to match your taste preferences and create unique flavor profiles.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a fork to gently test salmon's flakiness; avoid overcooking to maintain tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter cream sauce with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or olive oil-based sauce for lactose-intolerant diners.
• Quick Meal Prep: Choose skin-on salmon fillets for added nutrition and easy handling, and consider buying pre-portioned pieces to save time in the kitchen.

Storing With Care to Keep Texture Right

• Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the fish fresh by storing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically at the back, away from the door.
• Consume refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
• Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect it from absorbing other food odors.
• When reheating, use gentle methods like a low-temperature oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain the salmon's moisture and prevent it from becoming dry or tough.
• Avoid freezing cooked salmon, as it can significantly change the texture and flavor of the delicate fish.

Perfect Pairings for This Luscious Dish

• Complement Crisp White Wine: Pair the rich salmon with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and enhance the fish's delicate flavor.
• Serve Roasted Asparagus Sides: Create a balanced plate by adding roasted asparagus spears that match the lemon butter's brightness and provide a fresh vegetable complement.
• Match Herbed Quinoa Base: Prepare a light quinoa base seasoned with fresh herbs like dill or parsley to absorb the lemon butter sauce and provide a nutritious grain foundation.
• Add Citrus Salad Starter: Begin the meal with a light citrus salad featuring mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to echo the lemon notes in the salmon dish.

Creative Variations for Butter Sauce Fans

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Coat the salmon with a mix of fresh dill, parsley, and chives before baking for an aromatic herb explosion.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun spice blend, adding a bold and zesty kick to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean-Style Salmon: Top the fillets with chopped kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese before baking for a Mediterranean flair.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon: Replace lemon juice with rice vinegar and add a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil for an east Asian-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs for Lemon Butter Salmon Success

FAQs for Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• How do I know if my salmon is fully cooked?

Look for the fish to turn opaque and easily flake with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption, which prevents undercooking while keeping the fish moist.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before patting dry and preparing. Ensure all excess moisture is removed to help achieve a perfect crispy exterior.

• What if I don't have all the specific seasonings?

No worries! You can substitute with herbs and spices you have on hand. Basic salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or dill work great. The key is to enhance the salmon’s natural flavor without overwhelming it.

• Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and essential nutrients. By baking instead of frying, you’re maintaining the fish’s nutritional value while creating a delicious, heart-healthy meal.

Why This Lemon Butter Salmon Is a Showstopper

• Speedy Seafood Delight: This salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick gourmet meals.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With simple seasoning and a foolproof cooking method, even novice home cooks can create a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish without complex techniques.
• Healthy Protein Power Meal: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, this salmon recipe offers a nutritious option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe's easy customization with common spices and quick lemon butter cream sauce makes it adaptable for family dinners, date nights, or elegant entertaining.

Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets zesty lemon butter cream sauce in this elegant Mediterranean-inspired dish. Creamy, tangy notes complement the rich fish, promising a restaurant-quality meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 salmon fillets

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried thyme)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a high temperature of 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the salmon.
2. Prepare a baking vessel by coating it with a light layer of oil or layering it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
3. Gently remove excess moisture from the salmon fillets using clean paper towels, creating a surface that will better absorb seasonings and develop a delectable crust.
4. Carefully position the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, arranging them with adequate spacing to promote even cooking.
5. Enhance the salmon’s flavor profile by delicately drizzling olive oil across the surface of each fillet.
6. Elevate the taste by generously sprinkling a harmonious blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, and fragrant Italian seasoning over the fish.
7. Brighten the dish with a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice, distributing it evenly to infuse the salmon with a citrusy essence.
8. Transfer the seasoned salmon to the preheated oven and allow it to roast for approximately 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the fish becomes tender and easily separates with a gentle fork probing.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught if possible.
• Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme to customize the seasoning profile of the dish.
• For a lighter version, replace butter with Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of butter in the cream sauce.
• Check salmon doneness by testing its internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for food safety.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad to create a balanced, nutritious meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg