Description
This baked salmon with lemon sauce is a flavorful, healthy, and elegant dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender, flaky salmon pairs perfectly with a creamy, zesty lemon butter sauce. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place salmon fillets on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon bakes, prepare the lemon sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Stir in garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Pour in cream and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Spoon warm lemon sauce over salmon fillets and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Red pepper flakes can give the sauce a gentle heat.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream.
- The lemon sauce pairs well with other fish like cod, halibut, or shrimp.
- Store sauce separately and reheat gently to maintain texture.
