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

• Salmon Fillets: Tender and flaky fish that serves as the star of the dish, best when fresh and of high quality.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich foundation that provides deep flavor and aromatic base for the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory undertone to the lemon sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps season and moisturize the salmon during baking.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that boost the natural flavors of salmon and sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy citrus notes to complement the rich salmon.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture in the sauce.

• Fresh Herbs, Lemon Zest: Provides a fresh, aromatic final touch to the dish.

How to Bake Salmon to Juicy Perfection

Step 1: Prepare The Salmon

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

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

• Butter
• Minced garlic

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Heavy cream

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

• Fresh chopped herbs
• Lemon zest
• Chopped parsley

Serve immediately alongside roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Smart Tips for Zingy Lemon Sauce That Shines

• Perfect Salmon Texture: Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crisp, golden exterior and prevent steaming.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk continuously while adding broth and cream to avoid lumps and achieve smooth, silky sauce.
• Balance Lemon Flavor: Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal preference, tasting sauce before final seasoning.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and high-quality butter for richer, more vibrant sauce flavor.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian option and use gluten-free flour for wheat-sensitive diets.

Baked Salmon That Deserves the Spotlight

• Transform ordinary salmon into a gourmet meal in just 20 minutes with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor explosion.
• Baking salmon ensures perfectly cooked, tender fish every time without complicated techniques or professional chef skills required.
• Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for family meals, this recipe adapts to various side dishes and dietary preferences with ease.
• Homemade lemon sauce elevates basic salmon into a restaurant-quality dish, delivering bright, tangy notes that complement the rich fish perfectly.

Keeping Baked Salmon Tasty the Next Day

• Transfer leftover salmon and sauce to an airtight container, separating them to prevent sogginess. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.
• Warm salmon in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Place in a covered dish with a splash of broth or water to keep fish tender and prevent drying out.
• Reheat lemon sauce separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring gently to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of broth if sauce appears too thick.

What to Serve Alongside This Savory Fish

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salmon's richness and cut through the creamy lemon sauce.
• Create a perfect side dish by roasting asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, which echoes the bright, fresh flavors of the lemon sauce.
• Prepare a light quinoa pilaf with fresh parsley and dill to add texture and herbal notes that enhance the delicate salmon and tangy sauce.
• End the meal with a palate-cleansing lemon sorbet that mirrors the citrus profile of the dish and provides a refreshing, light dessert.

Tasty Variations to Keep It Fresh

• Low-Carb Fish Option: Replace salmon with white fish like cod or halibut. Skip flour in the sauce and use xanthan gum as a thickener for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use coconut cream instead of regular cream and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a plant-based alternative.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh dill, parsley, or basil directly into the lemon sauce. Incorporate chopped herbs into the sauce while simmering to enhance the flavor profile and create a more aromatic experience.
• Mediterranean Style: Add capers, chopped olives, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the lemon sauce. Serve with a side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a regional twist.

Salmon FAQs for a Flaky, Flavorful Dinner

• What makes the lemon sauce so creamy and rich?

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.

• Can I use different types of fish for this recipe?

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.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

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.

• How can I tell if the salmon is properly cooked?

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.

Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

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

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Incorporate flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for approximately one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Gradually stream chicken broth into the roux, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to develop a gentle simmer.
6. 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.
7. Season the lemon sauce with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting flavors as needed.
8. Transfer the perfectly baked salmon to serving plates and generously cascade the lemon sauce over the top.
9. 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