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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to a high temperature of 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the salmon.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully position the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, arranging them with adequate spacing to promote even cooking.
- Enhance the salmon’s flavor profile by delicately drizzling olive oil across the surface of each fillet.
- 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.
- Brighten the dish with a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice, distributing it evenly to infuse the salmon with a citrusy essence.
- 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