If you have been searching for the perfect combination of tender, flavorful fish and a sauce that brings it all together, this Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe will instantly become a favorite in your kitchen. The salmon bakes to flaky perfection while the luscious, velvety sauce infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic adds a vibrant freshness that excites the palate. With a beautiful balance of richness and brightness, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser that you can pull together effortlessly on any weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role—fresh, simple, and easy to find. Together they create layers of flavor and a creamy texture that transforms plain baked salmon into something truly special.
- Salmon fillets: Choose skinless fillets for a tender bite that easily absorbs the marinade.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity that balances the richness of the salmon and sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the fish and adds subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for a pungent depth of flavor in both marinade and sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle tanginess to the marinade that enhances the salmon.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in the salmon.
- Unsalted butter: The base of the creamy sauce, offering a rich mouthfeel.
- Heavy cream (or half-and-half): Creates the silky texture of the lemon garlic sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a bright, herbaceous note in the sauce.
- Lemon slices: Optional but perfect for garnish, adding visual appeal and extra zest.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 425°F and make sure the rack is in the center position. This temperature ensures the salmon cooks quickly and evenly, sealing in moisture while developing a tender crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Combine fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. This blend infuses the salmon with bright, garlicky flavors while the mustard adds a subtle piquant kick.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Arrange the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each fillet is well coated. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfectly done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks just opaque in the center — juicy and tender, not dry.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
While the salmon bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant, about 20 seconds—don’t let it brown or it could get bitter. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil so the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, then whisk in an extra tablespoon or two of fresh lemon juice if you like a brighter punch. Finish by folding in chopped parsley and seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
When your salmon comes out perfectly baked, drizzle the warm creamy lemon garlic sauce over each fillet. Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. This final touch elevates your meal from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Lemon slices are a classic choice that look lovely plated next to the salmon, adding an extra pop of vibrant color and an optional zesty squeeze right before eating. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley not only adds freshness but brightens up the whole dish visually as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with comforting mashed potatoes, which soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. For a healthy contrast, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus offer crisp textures and vibrant green hues to balance the richness of the salmon and sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate the salmon fillet on a bed of wild rice or quinoa tossed with herbs and lemon zest. Drizzle extra sauce over the fish and scatter microgreens or edible flowers on top for a restaurant-quality look right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon stays moist, and the sauce retains its creamy texture for up to two days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While the salmon itself freezes well, the creamy lemon garlic sauce may separate when thawed and reheated. If planning to freeze, keep the salmon and sauce in separate containers to maintain the best quality, then gently reheat and combine just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon in the oven at 300°F wrapped loosely in foil to prevent drying out. Heat the sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Avoid boiling so you keep that silky smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on fillets, just place the skin side down on the baking dish. The skin crisps nicely while the flesh stays tender. It also helps lock in moisture during baking.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly less rich. Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative, but it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?
Cooked salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork and looks opaque in the center. Overcooking makes the fish dry, so check a little before the recommended baking time to ensure perfect doneness.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple whole ingredients without any wheat-based additives. Just double-check that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free to be sure.
What wine pairs well with Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe?
A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish beautifully. Their acidity matches the lemon elements in the sauce, while their fruitiness balances the richness of the salmon.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe enough if you want a quick, elegant meal that feels special without fuss. The flavors marry perfectly and it looks gorgeous on the plate too. Give it a try and watch it become a staple that you make over and over!
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Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for baked salmon fillets topped with a rich and creamy lemon garlic sauce. Perfectly baked to flaky perfection with a bright, tangy marinade and complemented by a luscious homemade sauce, this dish is ideal for a quick yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 5 skinless salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and position the rack in the center to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard, mixing well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each fillet is evenly coated. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the salmon is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 20 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer slightly to thicken, then remove from heat. Stir in fresh lemon juice if using, chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy lemon garlic sauce over the baked salmon fillets. Allow the salmon to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is not overcooked; it should flake easily but remain moist.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust lemon juice in the sauce to your taste preference for balance between tangy and creamy.
- For extra flavor, garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
