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Simple Baked Salmon with Zesty Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe

Simple Baked Salmon with Zesty Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

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

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

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

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