The aroma of Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce wafts through the air, promising a delightful culinary experience with every bite. lemon-infused recipes This dish combines flaky salmon with a creamy lemon sauce that dances on your taste buds like a ballet dancer in a sparkling tutu.
Pic: ture thisyou’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is wrestle with complicated recipes or complex ingredients. Enter this easy baked salmon recipe, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without breaking a sweat. So let’s dive into this delicious ocean of flavors!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The zesty lemon flavor combined with creamy butter creates a mouthwatering sauce everyone will crave.
- Visually stunning, the vibrant colors of the salmon and sauce make it an impressive centerpiece for any meal.
- It’s versatile enough to pair beautifully with rice, pasta, or seasonal veggies.
Ingredients for Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh, boneless fillets are ideal for this recipe; look for bright pink flesh without any fishy smell.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning; it adds richness to the cream sauce.
- Fresh Lemons: You’ll need both zest and juice for maximum flavor; choose firm lemons that yield slightly when pressed.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic lends a robust flavor; opt for large cloves and minced them finely.
- Heavy Cream: Look for full-fat heavy cream to create that luscious sauce that coats the salmon beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
For Optional Ingredients:
- Dill or Parsley: Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish and add an extra layer of flavor; sprinkle on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grab your trusty baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Place your beautiful salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! This is where you start the flavor party.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute should do it! Next, pour in heavy cream while adding fresh lemon juice and zest. Stir well until it’s smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Pour It On
Gently pour this heavenly lemon butter cream sauce over your seasoned salmon fillets. Feel free to take a moment to admire how lovely it looks—seriously, it’s like food art!
Step 5: Bake Away
Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it; no one likes dry fish!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer those gorgeous fillets onto plates and drizzle any leftover sauce from the baking dish on top. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce! Pair it with rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as binge-watching your favorite show after a long week at work. soup that complements salmon.
You Must Know
- This easy baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce is a showstopper that dazzles both the palate and the eyes.
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- With its creamy sauce and zesty lemon finish, you’ll be hooked!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while preparing the salmon. Season the fish generously, then bake it until flaky. While it’s baking, whip up that luscious lemon butter cream sauce for a seamless cooking experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap salmon for other fish like trout or tilapia. Add herbs like dill or parsley to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some capers for a salty kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps it tender and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly baked salmon, ensure it’s at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for vibrant flavor; bottled lemon juice just won’t cut it!
- Lastly, don’t skip resting the salmon; this enhances its juiciness and flavor.
Sometimes I think my friends might just be using my cooking as an excuse to hang out—every time I serve this dish, they rave about how fancy it is!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce?
To prepare Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce, gather fresh salmon fillets, lemon juice, unsalted butter, garlic, heavy cream, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Ensure you have salt and pepper for seasoning. You can also include vegetable broth if you want to enhance the flavor of the sauce. This dish is simple yet elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe.
How long does it take to bake salmon in the oven?
Baking salmon typically takes around 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for fillets that are about 1-inch thick. For thicker cuts, you might need an additional 5 minutes. The key is to watch for the fish to become opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Using a meat thermometer can help; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce. However, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator is ideal. If you’re in a hurry, you can place the sealed salmon under cold running water until thawed. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the fish’s texture.
What can I serve with Easy Baked Salmon?
Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. A light salad made of mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly. light summer salad to pair Additionally, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes can soak up the delicious sauce and round out your meal nicely.
Conclusion for Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce :
In conclusion, Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that’s both simple and flavorful. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal preparation time, it makes an excellent choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Remember to adjust baking times based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to ensure perfect results every time. Enjoy this delicious meal paired with your choice of sides for a complete dining experience!
Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a delightful, quick dinner that combines flaky salmon with a rich, zesty sauce. Prepared in just 30 minutes, this dish impresses with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal that will leave everyone wanting more.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and zest. Mix until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve garnished with fresh dill or parsley and drizzle any remaining sauce over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting salmon with trout or tilapia. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the sauce's taste. To reheat leftovers, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
