Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce – Elegant and Easy

Looking for a restaurant-quality dish that’s simple enough for weeknights? Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce combines the rich flavor of perfectly baked salmon with a luscious, velvety lemon butter cream sauce. This dish is flavorful, light, and elegant, making it perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or a romantic dinner at home.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Salmon fillets cook quickly, retaining their moist, tender texture, while the lemon butter cream sauce adds a rich, tangy finish. In under 30 minutes, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes like it belongs in a fine dining restaurant.

Why Salmon Works Perfectly

Salmon is a versatile, nutrient-dense fish with a natural richness that pairs perfectly with citrus and creamy sauces. Benefits include:

• High in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health
• Excellent source of protein
• Cooks quickly and evenly
• Pairs with both light and rich flavors

By baking instead of pan-searing, you achieve tender, juicy fillets with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine

The lemon butter cream sauce is simple yet luxurious. Key ingredients:

• Salmon fillets: Thick and even for consistent cooking
• Butter and cream: Rich, silky base for the sauce
• Lemon juice and zest: Brightens and balances the richness
• Garlic and herbs: Aromatic depth
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning

Each element elevates the dish without overpowering the delicate salmon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish

Optional: Serve with roasted asparagus, baby potatoes, or steamed green beans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
4. While salmon bakes, prepare the lemon butter cream sauce: melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
5. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Plate salmon fillets and spoon the lemon butter cream sauce generously over the top.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Juicy baked salmon fillets topped with a rich and creamy lemon butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 lemon juice and zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Bake salmon 12–15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily.
4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat; add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
5. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, zest, and Dijon mustard; simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Plate salmon fillets and spoon lemon butter cream sauce over the top.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, serve immediately and avoid overbaking the salmon to maintain juiciness.

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon

• Pat salmon dry before seasoning for better browning.
• Don’t overbake; salmon continues to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
• Use fresh lemon juice for bright, vibrant flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling.

These tips ensure juicy, flavorful salmon every time.

Variations to Try

Garlic Herb Salmon
Add rosemary or thyme to the sauce for an aromatic twist.

Spicy Lemon Butter Salmon
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.

Creamy Mustard Lemon Salmon
Mix 1 tsp whole-grain mustard into the sauce for tangy depth.

One-Pan Roasted Veggies
Bake salmon on a sheet pan with asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted or mashed potatoes
• Pair with a fresh green salad
• Drizzle extra sauce over steamed vegetables
• Garnish with lemon slices for a fresh presentation

This dish is elegant yet simple, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy home dinner.

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before serving.
• Cooked salmon is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying out the fillets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy yet elegant
• Rich, creamy sauce balances the fresh, delicate salmon
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
• Healthy and flavorful, packed with protein and omega-3s

Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is the ultimate combination of simplicity, elegance, and flavor. It’s a dish that impresses without stress, perfect for any occasion.