Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Welcome, dear readers, to a culinary journey that promises simplicity, elegance, and a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that combines the rich, omega-3 packed goodness of salmon with the zesty, creamy delight of a lemon butter cream sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to a nutritious and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to win hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients for this delightful dish. This recipe is designed to serve four, making it perfect for family dinners or a small gathering of friends.

For the Salmon:

• 5 skinless salmon fillets, about 150 g/ 5 oz each
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons Old style Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon slices, for serving

Simple Steps to Culinary Bliss

1. Preparing the Oven and Salmon

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) with the rack positioned in the center. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. This mixture will infuse the salmon with a delightful tang and subtle heat. Lay the salmon fillets in a skillet and gently pour the mixture over them, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Season with ground black pepper and salt to your preference. Let the salmon rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before baking.

Baking Directions: Place the skillet or a baking dish with the salmon fillets into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when done. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

2. Crafting the Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

While the salmon bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in additional lemon juice if desired for extra zest. Garnish with parsley, and season with black pepper and salt to taste.

3. Bringing It All Together

Once the salmon is baked to perfection, drizzle the lemon butter garlic sauce generously over the salmon fillets. Allow the salmon to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, letting the fish absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.

4. Serving Suggestions

This baked salmon dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, or even over homemade pasta. The choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 261 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s proof that with a few quality ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent. So, dear readers, don your chef’s hats, and let’s make dining at home an occasion to look forward to. Bon Appétit!

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