Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

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Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning evenly over the fillets.
  3. Optional Garnish: Add fresh lemon slices on top of each fillet for extra flavor and presentation.

Step 2: Baking the Salmon

  1. Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  2. Rest the Salmon: Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Making the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

  1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Add Cream and Flavorings: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk the mixture until smooth.
  4. Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.

5. Serving Suggestions

  • Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the baked salmon with a generous drizzle of lemon butter cream sauce over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
  • With Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach for a light and balanced dinner.
  • On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce works wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes.

6. Tips for Perfect Salmon

  • Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon as it bakes to avoid overcooking. Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has a slightly opaque center.
  • Room Temperature Salmon: For even cooking, let the salmon come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking.
  • Season Generously: Season both sides of the salmon for maximum flavor.

7. Variations and Customizations

  • Herb-Crusted Salmon: Add fresh or dried herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary to the seasoning mix for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
  • Lemon-Caper Sauce: Incorporate capers into the sauce for a briny, tangy addition.

8. FAQs and Storage Tips

  • Can I Use Skin-On Salmon? Yes, skin-on salmon works great for this recipe. The skin helps keep the salmon moist during baking.
  • How Do I Store Leftovers? Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Can I Reheat the Sauce? Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

9. Conclusion: A Restaurant-Worthy Dish at Home

This Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce is a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s sure to impress. The tender salmon paired with the luxurious, tangy sauce is a winning combination that’s perfect for any occasion.

Enjoy this elegant and flavorful meal with family and friends, and savor every bite of this delicious and creamy baked salmon!

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