Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s as effortless as it is elegant, you can’t go wrong with Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce. This recipe is my go-to when I want something impressive without a lot of fuss. The salmon stays deliciously moist and flaky, while the silky lemon garlic sauce instantly elevates the fish with its bright, tangy, and rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or looking to wow guests, this meal truly delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One thing I adore about Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce is its short, honest list of ingredients. Each item serves a specific purpose, from keeping the salmon tender to infusing the sauce with flavor and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):
- Salmon fillets: The star of the show — opt for high-quality, fresh fillets if possible for maximum flavor and perfect flake.
- Olive oil: Lightly coats the salmon and helps it roast up with a beautiful, moist texture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural taste of the fish and seasoning your dish just right.
- Butter: Adds a touch of luxurious richness to the creamy sauce — don’t skip it!
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives your sauce its irresistible aroma and depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates a velvety, luscious base for the sauce that clings to every bite of salmon.
- Chicken broth or white wine: Offers gentle acidity and nuance — wine adds complexity, broth keeps it more neutral.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce and balances the richness with zippy citrus.
- Lemon zest: Packs a flavorful punch, giving the sauce a big boost of lemony aroma.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for subtle savory notes and irresistible texture.
- Chopped fresh parsley: (Optional, but recommended!) Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give your salmon fillets a quick pat dry with paper towels — this helps the oil and seasoning adhere better and ensures a clean bake. Drizzle a little olive oil over each fillet and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet so they cook evenly and stay moist.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
Slide your seasoned salmon into the oven and let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the flesh to turn opaque and for the salmon to flake easily with a fork. The precise time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them — overcooked salmon loses its lovely juiciness.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
While the salmon is baking, begin your sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant, but don’t let it brown. Pour in the heavy cream along with your chicken broth (or white wine), then whisk in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Finally, add the Parmesan cheese and stir as everything gently simmers for 3 to 4 minutes, until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. Taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as you like.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon is done, carefully transfer it to plates or a serving platter. Spoon the creamy lemon garlic sauce generously over each fillet, making sure every bite gets some of that citrusy richness. Finish with a flourish of fresh parsley if you love a pop of color and freshness. Serve your gorgeous Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce straight away for best results.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy finish, I love adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a little extra lemon zest right before serving. Thin slices of lemon or even a few delicate microgreens on top can make your Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce look as good as it tastes. Don’t forget generous helpings of the sauce for that extra wow!
Side Dishes
This dish is deliciously versatile when it comes to sides. I often serve Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce alongside fluffy rice, garlic-infused mashed potatoes, or even roasted asparagus. Crisp, steamed green beans or a light arugula salad also work perfectly, balancing out the richness of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual salmon fillets on wide, shallow plates with the sauce pooled artfully beneath. Alternatively, slice the salmon and fan it out over a bed of wilted spinach or buttery orzo — then drizzle with sauce and a final shower of Parmesan. Small touches like edible flowers or a drizzle of pesto can add a dramatic flair if you’re entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce, store the salmon and sauce separately if possible. Place them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep for up to two days. This method helps retain the delicate texture of both the fish and the sauce when you reheat.
Freezing
While salmon itself freezes well, creamy sauces can separate or become grainy after thawing. If you must freeze, wrap the cooked salmon tightly and freeze it for up to two months. For the best flavor, make a fresh batch of sauce when you’re ready to serve again, since dairy-based sauces generally don’t freeze beautifully.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the salmon in a 275°F oven, covered loosely with foil, until it’s just heated through. Warm the sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, whisk in a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to a pourable consistency before serving with the salmon.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the fillets in the refrigerator and pat them very dry before using. This ensures even cooking and keeps the Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce from getting watery.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
If you want a lighter take, feel free to use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. The sauce will be a touch less rich, but you’ll still have that signature Creamy Lemon Garlic flavor everyone loves.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can! Prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens up too much.
What are some good substitutes for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano or Asiago cheese will also provide a wonderful nutty note in the sauce. Or, if you prefer a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy, savory flavor.
What wine pairs well with Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay makes a fantastic pairing. The citrus notes in the wine compliment the tangy sauce and the richness of the salmon, creating a memorable meal.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce is one of those foolproof recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy nights and special occasions alike. With its bright, creamy sauce and perfectly baked fish, it never fails to impress — and I hope it becomes a new favorite at your table, too. Give it a try and see just how easy a delicious homemade dinner can be!
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Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful meal with this Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe. Tender salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a luscious lemon garlic sauce make for a truly satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place on the baking sheet skin-side down. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add cream, broth (or wine), lemon juice, lemon zest, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Spoon the sauce over the baked salmon, sprinkle with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
- Use skinless fillets if preferred, and swap out heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
