Name: Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; lemon slices for baking; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re looking for a go-to dish that’s as stunningly simple as it is delicious, Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce needs to go straight to the top of your dinner list. Perfectly baked salmon fillets soak up a velvety, lemony cream sauce that strikes just the right balance between bright and decadent. This recipe is a weeknight hero and a dinner party show-stopper all in one, quickly coming together with basic ingredients and delivering a restaurant-worthy taste every single time.

Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items—just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients, each playing its unique part in making this Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce shine. These essentials combine to create a dish full of color, flavor, and aroma that always feels special.

Salmon fillets: Center-cut fillets promise even cooking and a lovely, rich flavor; aim for 6-ounce portions for hearty servings.
Olive oil: A touch of extra-virgin brings depth and helps the salmon stay juicy as it bakes.
Salt: Just enough to season and draw out the natural flavors of the fish.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and pepperiness that rounds out the simple seasoning.
Paprika: For a pop of color and a subtle hint of smokiness over the fillets.
Lemon slices: Baking a slice on top of each fillet infuses that sunny citrus essence right into the fish.
Butter: The base of your sauce, it creates a glossy finish and delicious richness.
Garlic: Just two cloves for aromatic lift—freshly minced is best.
Chicken or vegetable broth: This layer of flavor keeps the lemon sauce from feeling too heavy, while adding body.
Fresh lemon juice: Brings all the zing; bottled juice can’t compare to the brightness of freshly squeezed.
Lemon zest: The secret to big, bold lemon aroma without extra acidity; use a microplane zester for best results.
Dijon mustard: Just a teaspoon transforms the sauce with its tangy complexity.
Heavy cream: For that signature silky-smooth texture—we love how it mellows and blends with the citrus.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end for freshness and gorgeous pops of green.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Adjust the sauce to suit your palate perfectly each time.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place your salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet—parchment makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the fish from sticking. Drizzle each piece with a little olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Finally, top each fillet with a thin lemon slice. The lemon on top does wonders, gently flavoring the salmon as it bakes.

Step 2: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Slide the sheet pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear just opaque in the center. It’s better to slightly underbake—salmon continues to cook after it comes out of the oven, locking in those glorious juices.

Step 3: Make the Amazing Lemon Sauce

While the salmon is baking, it’s time to whip up the star of this dish: the amazing lemon sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. Let this mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes so it reduces and intensifies in flavor.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce With Cream and Herbs

Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce is beautifully smooth. Let it simmer gently for another 2 or 3 minutes so it thickens slightly—stir in the chopped parsley off the heat for a flash of herby color and freshness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

To serve, transfer each salmon fillet to a plate and generously drizzle with the lemon sauce. Don’t forget a little extra parsley for garnish! The final result is Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce that’s bursting with juicy flavor, luscious texture, and irresistible citrus aroma.

How to Serve Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, sprinkle a little more parsley over the top and add a fresh lemon wedge or two beside each fillet. A light dusting of extra lemon zest imparts a sunny color and an extra-bright aroma, making for a restaurant-worthy presentation. You can also try microgreens or snipped chives for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs fabulously with so many sides! Creamy mashed potatoes or lemon-garlic rice are perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, opt for roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad topped with avocado and cherry tomatoes. You really can’t go wrong—it’s all about highlighting that amazing lemon flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Make this Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce the centerpiece of a spring brunch by serving it over toasted sourdough with arugula and a soft poached egg. Or, try flaking the salmon into big pieces and layering it over fresh pasta, then pouring the sauce over the top for an ultra-decadent lemony salmon pasta bowl. However you serve it, you’ll have guests asking for your secret.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the baked salmon and the lemon sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon will stay fresh and tender for up to two days, while the sauce keeps beautifully for about three. When you’re ready for another round, everything reheats quickly for an easy, satisfying meal.

Freezing

While the salmon itself freezes quite well, the creamy lemon sauce is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If you do freeze the salmon fillets, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently to preserve their flaky texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the salmon gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 10 minutes. For the sauce, reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring and thinning with a splash of broth or cream if needed. Avoid microwaving the fish, as it can dry out; gentle heat is key to keeping everything succulent and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to completely thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture in your Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream. The sauce will still be rich and creamy, with a subtle coconut note that pairs nicely with the lemon and salmon. This tweak turns the dish into a lovely dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare the lemon sauce in advance?

You can absolutely make the lemon sauce a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently on the stovetop, whisking until smooth. It may thicken as it sits, so thin with a splash of broth or lemon juice if needed.

What other herbs work well in this sauce?

Fresh dill, chives, or even tarragon all make excellent variations. Dill in particular is a classic pairing with salmon and adds a fresh, springy note to the sauce. Just add at the end to keep those flavors vibrant and green.

Is Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce gluten-free?

Yes, as written, the entire dish is completely gluten-free! Just ensure your broth and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive. It’s a fantastic way to serve up flavor-packed salmon that works for many dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like sitting down to Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce—each bite is bright, creamy, and overflowing with special-occasion energy (even on a Thursday night). If you haven’t yet made it at home, I can’t recommend this one enough. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this satisfying, sunshine-on-a-plate recipe—you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation in no time.

Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the perfect pairing of tender baked salmon with a luxurious lemon sauce that elevates the dish to a new level of flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress with its blend of savory and citrusy notes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
lemon slices for baking

Lemon Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Top each fillet with a lemon slice. Bake for 12–15 minutes.
Make Lemon Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add broth, lemon juice, zest, and Dijon mustard. Simmer, then stir in cream until smooth. Add parsley and season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Drizzle lemon sauce over baked salmon and garnish with parsley.