Description
This Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce is a delightful and easy-to-make main course, featuring perfectly baked salmon fillets topped with a rich and tangy lemon garlic cream sauce. Ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines tender, flaky fish with a luscious, flavorful sauce that complements its natural taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Fillets
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared pan. Drizzle olive oil over the tops, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce: While the salmon bakes, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it slightly thickens.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon the creamy lemon garlic sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm alongside your choice of rice, potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- For a lighter version of the sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add fresh spinach or capers to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Ensure the salmon is not overcooked to maintain its moist and tender texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
