Easy Baked Salmon with Zesty Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Salmon with a zesty lemon butter cream sauce can turn any weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

Delicate fish meets bright citrus notes in this simple yet elegant dish.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, promising a meal that feels both luxurious and effortless.

Rich, silky cream sauce complements the tender fish perfectly.

Fresh ingredients create magic in just minutes of preparation.

Crisp, golden edges hint at the deliciousness waiting to unfold.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Sauce Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter for a lactose-free version that maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Hero: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and serve the salmon over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use cornstarch as a potential thickener for the sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Add capers, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh dill to the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that transforms the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing, and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better cooking results.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are excellent choices. They have rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking and pairs perfectly with the lemon butter cream sauce.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 145°F. Alternatively, gently press the salmon with a fork; if it flakes easily and looks opaque, it’s done cooking.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like strong fish flavors?

Absolutely! The lemon butter cream sauce helps mellow the salmon’s natural flavor, making it more palatable for those who typically find fish too strong or “fishy”.

Baked Salmon With Lemon Butter Cream Sauce That Pops

Quick Kitchen Magic: Salmon’s Fast Track to Deliciousness

• Speedy Meal Solution: Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe transforms dinner from boring to gourmet without complex techniques or hours of preparation.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking salmon ensures consistent, tender results even for novice cooks, eliminating guesswork and potential overcooking disasters.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor Boost: The zesty lemon butter cream sauce elevates simple baked salmon into a luxurious dish that tastes like a high-end restaurant creation, making weeknight meals feel special.
• Minimal Ingredient Strategy: Using common pantry staples like butter, cream, and basic seasonings means no complicated shopping trips or expensive specialty ingredients required.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, tender fish rich in omega-3, best when wild-caught or high-quality farm-raised for optimal flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil: Essential for moistening and helping seasonings adhere to salmon.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing natural fish flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the cream sauce, provides depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds subtle savory undertone to balance sauce's richness.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings bright, zesty citrus notes that cut through the cream's heaviness.
• Garlic: Provides pungent, aromatic foundation for the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, green color and light herbal finish to the dish.

Salmon with Lemon Butter Roast Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Massage the seasonings gently into the fish to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the seasoned salmon onto the prepared baking sheet.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

The salmon is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and looks beautifully golden.

Step 4: Craft the Luxurious Sauce

• Melt butter over medium heat
• Toss in minced garlic and cook until it releases its aromatic magic
• Pour in heavy cream
• Add chicken broth
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice
• Sprinkle lemon zest

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Transfer the golden salmon to serving plates.

Generously drizzle the creamy lemon sauce over the top.

For an extra touch of elegance, scatter some fresh parsley on top if you’d like.

Oven Prep For Lemon Butter Salmon

• Choose high-quality, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Check salmon's doneness by gently pressing the thickest part – it should flake easily and appear opaque.
• Simmer the sauce longer for a thicker cream or add more broth for a lighter texture.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the lemon butter sauce's complexity.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free version of the sauce.

Storing Baked Salmon for Later

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading in the refrigerator.
• Let salmon cool completely before placing in the container to prevent condensation and maintain texture.
• Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Consume quickly to enjoy the best flavor and quality.
• Warm gently in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds or in oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.

Baked Salmon Sides to Try

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the rich salmon and creamy lemon sauce, balancing the dish's zesty flavors with its smooth, oak-aged notes.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Tender green asparagus spears roasted with olive oil and sea salt provide a crisp, fresh vegetable side that enhances the salmon's delicate texture.
• Match with Lemon Herb Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest creates a light, protein-packed accompaniment that echoes the sauce's bright citrus profile.
• Complement with Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula leaves tossed with a light vinaigrette offer a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy salmon, adding refreshing complexity to the meal.

Simple Baked Salmon with Zesty Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent salmon meets zesty lemon butter cream sauce in this elegantly crafted dish that promises Mediterranean-inspired flavor profiles. Effortless preparation combines rich salmon with tangy sauce, delivering restaurant-quality excellence for home cooks seeking culinary satisfaction.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or skinless)

Main Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light oil coating to prevent sticking.
2. Gently massage olive oil across the salmon fillets, then generously sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the fish’s natural flavors.
3. Carefully position the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring even spacing for consistent cooking.
4. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until the salmon transforms to a pale pink color and effortlessly separates when nudged with a fork.
5. Simultaneously, craft the luxurious lemon butter cream sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes golden and aromatic.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the butter, allowing it to dance and release its fragrant essence for 1-2 minutes.
7. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and delicate lemon zest, stirring the mixture to create a harmonious blend.
8. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, watching it thicken and develop a rich, velvety consistency over 3-4 minutes.
9. Season the sauce with strategic pinches of salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfect balance of flavors.
10. Transfer the perfectly cooked salmon to serving plates and cascade the creamy lemon sauce over the top.
11. Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant burst of color and additional aromatic freshness.

Notes

• Salmon Quality Matters: Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture, ensuring a more vibrant and delicious dish.
• Customizable Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to personalize the salmon’s flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust the sauce thickness by simmering longer for a more reduced, concentrated sauce or adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use ghee instead of butter for a lactose-intolerant friendly alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg