Baked Salmon with Lemon Sauce Recipe for Flavorful Perfection
Ever wondered how a classic baked salmon can turn into something extraordinary with an amazing lemon sauce?
Zesty citrus notes dance across tender fish fillets, creating a vibrant culinary experience.
Mediterranean ingredients whisper secrets of bright, fresh flavors that complement the delicate salmon perfectly.
Subtle hints of garlic and herbs intermingle with tangy lemon, promising a dish that feels both elegant and approachable.
Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Succulent fish meets bright sauce in a match made in cooking heaven.
You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next dinner celebration.
What You Need for Lemon-Glazed Salmon
Main Protein:Sauce Base Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers:Optional Garnish:How to Bake Salmon to Juicy Perfection
Step 1: Prepare The Salmon
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Position oven rack in middle position. Place salmon fillets on parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle salmon with:Spread ingredients evenly across fish. Bake for 10-12 minutes until salmon turns opaque and easily flakes with fork.
Step 2: Craft Zesty Lemon Sauce
Heat medium saucepan over medium flame. Add following ingredients:Saute garlic until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour and cook for additional minute. Gradually pour:Simmer sauce while constantly stirring until mixture thickens slightly, approximately 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Step 3: Create Delightful Plate
Transfer baked salmon to serving platter. Pour warm lemon sauce generously over fish. Optional garnish options:Serve immediately alongside roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
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Salmon FAQs for a Flaky, Flavorful Dinner
The combination of butter, flour (creating a roux), chicken broth, and cream gives the sauce its smooth, velvety texture. The technique of slowly whisking ingredients creates a luxurious, well-blended sauce that coats the salmon perfectly.
Absolutely! While salmon works wonderfully, you can easily substitute with halibut, cod, or sea bass. Just ensure you adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fish fillet.
Yes, this dish is quite nutritious. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and the light sauce uses minimal cream. It’s a balanced meal that provides essential nutrients without being heavy.
The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should look moist and have a soft, tender texture. Overcooking will make it dry, so watch it carefully during the 10-12 minute baking time.
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Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent salmon marries zesty lemon sauce in this Mediterranean-inspired delicacy that promises restaurant-quality elegance. Effortless preparation and bold flavors guarantee you’ll savor every luxurious bite of this seafood sensation.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams), skin on or off
Cooking Fat and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon (juice about 2–3 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Garnish (Optional):
- Lemon slices
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh dill
- Extra lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by arranging fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and generously season with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat the oven to 400F (200C) and carefully position the salmon inside. Roast for 10-12 minutes until the fish transforms to a translucent opaque color and effortlessly separates when prodded with a fork.
- While salmon bakes, craft the vibrant lemon sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.
- Incorporate flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for approximately one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually stream chicken broth into the roux, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to develop a gentle simmer.
- Infuse the sauce with tangy lemon juice, then softly blend in cream. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
- Season the lemon sauce with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed.
- Transfer the perfectly baked salmon to serving plates and generously cascade the lemon sauce over the top.
- Enhance the presentation by sprinkling fresh herbs or delicate lemon zest. Accompany with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and most appealing presentation.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches 145F internally, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly sauce variations that maintain creamy consistency.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt portions, making the dish heart-healthy without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Jessica Martinez
Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.
She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.