Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is the perfect combination of rich, creamy flavors and fresh citrus brightness. This easy salmon dinner comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant family meals. With tender oven baked salmon and a silky garlic lemon cream sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce with fresh lemon flavor
- Quick and easy oven baked salmon recipe
- Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Juicy salmon fillets with a perfectly tender texture
- Elegant enough for entertaining guests
- Pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons old-style Dijon mustard
- 5 skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Coat the salmon fillets evenly with the marinade. Season with black pepper and salt.
- Arrange the salmon in a skillet or baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake the Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce for 10–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add extra lemon juice if desired for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon the creamy lemon butter sauce over each fillet.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Pat the salmon dry before marinating for better texture.
- Add spinach or asparagus to the baking dish for an easy one-pan meal.
- For extra richness, stir a little grated Parmesan into the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
- Use wild-caught salmon for deeper flavor when available.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Low Carb, High Protein
Notes
- Serve this creamy salmon recipe with roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh dill can replace parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Leftover salmon can be flaked into salads or pasta dishes.
Nutrition
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
FAQ
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating.
What sides go well with Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?
Rice, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, asparagus, and pasta pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the lemon butter cream sauce can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, trout, cod, or halibut work well with the creamy lemon sauce.
Is this salmon recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is low carb and suitable for keto-style meal plans.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out.
Similar Recipes
Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce Recipe
Tender oven baked salmon topped with a creamy garlic lemon butter sauce.Easy family-friendly salmon recipe ready in 25 minutes.Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons old-style Dijon mustard
- 5 skinless salmon fillets about 5 oz each
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 –2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice optional
- 1 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Coat the salmon fillets evenly with the marinade. Season with black pepper and salt.
- Arrange the salmon in a skillet or baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake the Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce for 10–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add extra lemon juice if desired for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon the creamy lemon butter sauce over each fillet.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve this creamy salmon recipe with roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Fresh dill can replace parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Leftover salmon can be flaked into salads or pasta dishes.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a simple yet impressive meal packed with rich flavor and fresh citrus notes. The creamy garlic lemon sauce perfectly complements the tender salmon, creating a comforting dinner that feels both elegant and effortless. Whether you are cooking for family or entertaining guests, this easy salmon recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.