Description
This Simple Baked Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a zesty lemon butter cream sauce. It’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion, combining bright citrus flavors with rich and creamy sauce to complement the natural taste of salmon.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked but still moist.
- Make the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce: While the salmon bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to serving plates. Drizzle the warm lemon butter cream sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Notes
- For extra crisp skin, bake salmon skin-side up on a lightly greased baking sheet instead of parchment paper.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated just before serving.
- Salmon is done when it flakes easily but remains moist; avoid overbaking to prevent dryness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
