Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Name: Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Salmon Fillets (skin-on preferred); 2 tablespoons Olive Oil; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; 2 Lemon Slices; 1/4 cup Butter; 1 cup Heavy Cream; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); Fresh Lemon Juice (from 2 lemons); Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Nothing screams “fancy dinner” quite like a beautifully baked salmon drizzled with a luscious lemon butter cream sauce. Seriously, this dish could practically walk the red carpet with its elegance. You’re going to look like a master chef and feel like a culinary genius, and FYI, it’s easier than you might think! 😊

I’ll admit, I used to think salmon was just the health-conscious person’s fish. But once I tried it baked with that divine sauce? Yeah, I was hooked (pun intended). Let’s dive right in!

Why Bake Salmon?

Health Benefits That Make You Go “Hmm”

Alright, real talk—salmon is like the MVP of the fish world. It’s packed with omega-3 fatty acids that can help your heart, brain, and even your mood. Who knew fish could be a natural mood booster? But wait, there’s more!

High in Protein: Just what you need for those gains at the gym (or, you know, lifting the remote).
Rich in Vitamins: Think vitamins B12 and D, which your body thanks you for later.

Cooking Method: Why Baking Reigns Supreme

If you’ve ever pan-fried fish, you know it can go from delectable to disaster in about 2 seconds flat. Here’s why baking is awesome:

Less Mess: No grease splatters on the stovetop.
Even Cooking: You get that perfect flaky texture without the worry of overcooking.
Set It and Forget It: Basically, you can pop it in the oven and focus on other things—like prepping your Instagram story for #FoodPorn.

Ingredients You Need to Impress

Let’s gather the essentials that’ll take your salmon from drab to fab.

For the Baked Salmon:

Salmon Fillets: Aim for skin-on, if possible—crispy skin is like the cherry on top of a sundae.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of this liquid gold keeps things moist and flavorful.
Salt & Pepper: Because bland is never a good look.
Lemon Slices: For decoration and that fresh zing.

For the Lemon Butter Cream Sauce:

Butter: The real star of the show—don’t skimp here.
Heavy Cream: Because we all deserve a little indulgence, right?
Garlic: A few cloves, minced to perfection.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze, don’t use that bottled stuff—it’s basically blasphemy.
Fresh Parsley: For that pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce

Ready to become the culinary whiz you always dreamed of? Here’s how to whip this beauty up!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, you want it hot and ready.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet (hello, easy clean-up!).
Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper like you’re a pro chef.
Add some lemon slices on top. They’re not just for show—they infuse flavor!

Step 3: Bake the Salmon

Pop the salmon in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The fork should glide through effortlessly when it’s done. Don’t let it overcook; salmon should be moist and not resemble a dried-out sponge.

Step 4: The Sauce Magic

While your salmon is doing its thing, let’s make that killer sauce.

Melt Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. The aroma alone will have your roommates questioning your culinary prowess.
Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not burnt. If you burn it, well, let’s just say there’s an "F" in "flavor" somewhere lost.
Pour in Heavy Cream: Slowly add 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer, but don’t let it boil—boiling is not invited to this party.
Squeeze Lemon Juice: Now’s the time for the fresh lemon juice; about two lemons should suffice. Stir well!
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. And for goodness’ sake, get that taste test in—this is your sauce, after all!
Finish with Parsley: Just before serving, toss in chopped fresh parsley for that extra pop!

Plating: The Art of Presentation

Okay, so your salmon is baked and your sauce is divine. Time to plate it up like it’s ready for a magazine cover!

Lay the Salmon: Place those fillets on a plate.
Drizzle the Sauce: Pour the lemon butter cream sauce generously over the salmon. Go wild, no one’s judging!
Garnish: Add more parsley and maybe a slice of lemon for visual appeal.
Serve Immediately: Your guests (or you, no shame) will appreciate a plate that looks as good as it tastes.

What to Pair with Baked Salmon?

Now, what’s a fabulous salmon dish without suitable company? Here are some ideas:

Roasted Veggies: Because who doesn’t love the colorful crunch of a rainbow on their plate?
Couscous or Quinoa: Go trendy with grains. They’re light, fluffy, and soak up the sauce beautifully.
A Fresh Salad: Keep it simple; a nice mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon and sauce.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—a simple yet stunning baked salmon with lemon butter cream sauce that could easily impress even the toughest food critics (aka your family). It’s rich, satisfying, and best of all, you didn’t break a sweat making it. 😉

So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron, grab those ingredients, and let’s make some culinary magic happen! You’ll be swapping recipes with friends in no time. Remember, cooking should be fun, not an Olympic sport. So even if the sauce splatters a bit—who cares? You’re still a rockstar! 🎉