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Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
A luxurious yet easy-to-make baked salmon recipe featuring a rich and velvety lemon garlic sauce.
Course
Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine
American
Keyword
baked salmon, Comfort Food, Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce, Easy Dinner, Healthy Recipe
Prep Time
15
minutes
minutes
Cook Time
15
minutes
minutes
Total Time
30
minutes
minutes
Servings
5
servings
Calories
350
kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
5
pieces
skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
Fresh, bright-pink fillets preferred, wild-caught if possible.
2
tablespoons
fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemons add better flavor; bottled can be used in a pinch.
1
tablespoon
olive oil
A mild, fruity olive oil is ideal for baking fish.
1
clove
garlic, minced
Fresh garlic enhances the flavor.
2
tablespoons
Dijon mustard
Adds tang and tenderizes the salmon.
1/2
teaspoon
ground black pepper
Use additional salt to taste.
1/4
cup
unsalted butter
Forms the base of the lemon garlic cream sauce.
1 1/2
tablespoons
garlic, minced
Again, for more garlic lovers.
1/2
cup
heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
1–2
tablespoons
fresh lemon juice (optional)
For additional brightness.
1
tablespoon
parsley, finely chopped
For garnish.
as needed
slices
lemon, for serving
Enhances presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard.
Nestle salmon fillets into a baking dish and pour the marinade over each fillet.
Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Baking
Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (about 12 minutes is typically perfect).
Sauce Preparation
While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about a few minutes.
Off the heat, whisk in additional lemon juice and parsley.
Serving
Drizzle the creamy lemon garlic sauce over baked salmon fillets.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve with extra lemon slices.
Notes
Pat salmon dry before marinating for crisp edges. Don't overbake. Double the sauce for extra servings.