Description
This baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce is a weeknight-friendly dinner that feels restaurant-worthy. Flaky salmon fillets are baked until tender, then topped with a silky lemon butter cream sauce that’s rich, bright, and full of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests!
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole lemon, juiced and zested
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly oil it.
Season salmon: Place fillets skin-side down on the tray, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Bake salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C).
Make sauce: While salmon bakes, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice, zest, and cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add remaining butter, whisking until smooth and glossy.
Finish with herbs: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley or dill.
Serve: Spoon sauce over baked salmon fillets and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter option.
Try dill, chives, or basil for different flavor twists.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2 days; reheat gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Baking + stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: ~380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter cream sauce, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner
