Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

There are few things in the world that can elevate a simple weeknight dinner to pure elegance quite like Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce. Imagine succulent, flaky salmon right out of the oven, kissed with citrus, then bathed in a silky, restaurant-worthy lemon cream sauce. This dish is not only stunningly easy to put together, but every forkful is vibrant, comforting, and just a bit decadent. Make it for guests or on a cozy evening in—you’ll always get rave reviews, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything more complicated!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this delightful recipe plays a crucial part in creating a salmon dish that’s bright, fresh, and impossibly creamy. Grab these kitchen staples and discover how every component is intended to bring out the best flavors, textures, and vibrant colors in your Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce.

• Salmon fillet (2 to 3 lb): The real star of the show—look for fillets that are firm and vibrant for the best result.
• Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out the sweetness of the salmon and balancing the sauce.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon, for drizzling): This adds moisture to the salmon as it bakes and enhances richness.
• Parsley, finely chopped (1 tablespoon, for garnish): Gives a pop of color and a welcome brightness at serving.
• Onion (1 small) or shallots (2 medium), finely diced (about 1/4 cup): Softens and sweetens in the sauce, creating an aromatic base with subtle flavor.
• Lemon juice, fresh (1/4 cup): The citrus tang brings the sauce to life—freshly squeezed makes a huge difference!
• Dry white wine (1/4 cup): Adds complexity and depth to the sauce; the alcohol cooks off, leaving just flavor.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Key to making that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll dream about later.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons), cold and cut into pieces: Cold butter, added bit by bit, emulsifies into the sauce for unbeatable silkiness.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon, or to taste): Balances and enhances all the flavors, especially in the sauce.

How to Make Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it’s good and hot for a perfectly roasted finish. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down right on the sheet. Season it generously with salt and black pepper, then drizzle olive oil over the fillet for extra flavor and moisture. This simple touch helps the salmon roast evenly and develop a delicate golden edge.

Step 2: Bake the Salmon

Slide your prepared salmon into the oven and let it bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to adjust timing based on the thickness of your fillet—thicker, wild-caught pieces generally need up to 14 minutes. Your signal it’s done? The salmon will flake easily when tested with a fork, and its color will have deepened ever-so-slightly. This is where Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce begins to shine!

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

While the salmon bakes, get started on the star of the show: the sauce! In a small saucepan, combine your diced onion or shallots, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and dry white wine. Simmer over medium heat for about 7 to 8 minutes. You want this mixture to reduce to a thick, fragrant base—this concentrates all those lively flavors, creating the foundation for the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Once your aromatic reduction is ready, whisk in the heavy cream and gently bring everything to a simmer again. Lower the heat, then slowly add the cold butter, one piece at a time, whisking constantly. This step is what transforms the acid-bright base into a dreamy, glossy lemon cream sauce. Add salt to taste, then cover the saucepan with a lid to keep your sauce perfectly warm while you plate the salmon.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Place your roasted salmon fillet on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle those gorgeous filets generously with the warm lemon cream sauce—every bite should have a little of everything. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness, and serve immediately. At this moment, you’ll see why Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! Finish your Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce with a flourish of finely chopped parsley for color, or try delicate lemon zest curls and a few thinly sliced rounds of fresh lemon. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a few capers or tiny sprigs of dill can add a restaurant-like finishing touch. These little touches make your salmon pop on the plate and elevate the whole dining experience.

Side Dishes

Pairing is everything with this dish. Velvety mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf will soak up any extra lemon cream sauce (trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!). For a lighter touch, try crisp roasted asparagus, garlicky broccolini, or a simple side salad with vinaigrette. The balanced flavors of Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce play beautifully with bright veggies and pillowy starches alike.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to dazzle, slice your salmon into individual portions before plating, then fan them out over a pool of sauce for a dramatic effect. For special occasions, serve atop a bed of wilted spinach or alongside spiralized zucchini for a stunning visual twist. Even in a buffet setting, this dish stands out—just keep sauce on the side for guests to drizzle themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the salmon and lemon cream sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon will keep its lovely texture for up to 2 days, while the sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate ensures the salmon doesn’t get soggy and the sauce remains silky.

Freezing

Salmon freezes beautifully, although the cream sauce is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to freeze leftovers, wrap the cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed bag or container, storing for up to 1 month. Skip freezing the lemon cream sauce—it may separate when thawed. Instead, whip up a fresh batch for serving over reheated salmon!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat salmon gently in a 300°F oven, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out—about 10 minutes should do the trick. Warm the lemon cream sauce separately in a saucepan over very low heat, whisking constantly just until smooth and heated through. Pour the sauce over the reheated salmon right before serving for that freshly-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?

Absolutely! While Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is classic, this preparation is also wonderful with trout, arctic char, or even cod. Just adjust the baking time based on fillet thickness, and you’ll still get stellar results.

What if I don’t have white wine?

No worries—simply substitute with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. You’ll still capture those savory, complex notes in the lemon cream sauce without any compromise.

Can I make the lemon cream sauce ahead of time?

You can! Make the sauce up to one day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking frequently to bring back that creamy consistency before serving with Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce.

How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

Your salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center. Baking for 10 to 15 minutes usually does the trick, but don’t hesitate to peek a minute early—overcooking can make salmon dry.

Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?

Without a doubt! Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is the kind of show-stopping dish that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. It’s equally impressive for a dinner party or a cozy candlelit dinner for two.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Oven Baked Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is one of my absolute favorites—it’s quick enough for a busy night but elegant enough to savor on a special occasion. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with its luscious flavors and effortless charm just as much as I have!

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