Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
This comforting baked salmon dish features a creamy lemon garlic sauce that's ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 5 pieces skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each) Look for evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same pace.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Use extra-virgin for best flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced Use freshly minced garlic.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adds tang and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Adjust according to taste.
- salt to taste salt Season generously.
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter For a silky sauce.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced For bold flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half Cream gives the thickest, most luxurious sauce.
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional) For extra brightness.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped For added flavor and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper Balance the sauce.
For Serving
- 1 slices Lemon slices For garnish and extra zing.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and position the rack in the center.
- In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard to create the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, pour the marinade over, and turn to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Bake the salmon for 10–15 minutes, check for doneness when it flakes easily with a fork.
- While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half), bringing to a gentle boil to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice (if using), parsley, salt, and pepper.
Serving
- Drizzle the lemon garlic sauce generously over the baked salmon fillets and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the salmon; it will continue to cook off the heat. Fresh ingredients really improve flavor, and don't hesitate to add more lemon juice for extra tang.