Creamy Baked Salmon Lemon

Experience a luxurious seafood dinner with this Creamy Baked Salmon featuring a tangy lemon butter sauce. This dish offers a sophisticated balance of flavors by using cream cheese and Parmesan for richness, creating a velvety topping that perfectly complements the tender fish without the need for heavy cream.

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Ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions, this recipe eliminates the need for heavy cream while maintaining a decadent texture. The bright citrus notes of lemon zest and juice cut through the richness, ensuring every bite of the flaky salmon is perfectly balanced and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Salmon: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless, seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
• Lemon Butter Sauce: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56 g), 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 oz softened cream cheese (60 g), and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g).
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley and optional lemon wedges.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Season Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and black pepper, then arrange them in the baking dish, skin side down if applicable.

Step 3: Melt Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic immediately to release its aroma without browning it.

Step 4: Create Sauce

Whisk in the lemon juice, lemon zest, softened cream cheese, and grated Parmesan until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Coat Salmon

Spoon the lemon butter sauce evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the sauce is bubbling.

Step 7: Optional Broil

For a golden crust, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the brightest flavor, always use fresh lemon juice and zest. To soften your cream cheese quickly, you can microwave it for 10–15 seconds before whisking it into the butter mixture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To create a dairy-free version of this dish, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese or simply omit the cheese components entirely.

Serviervorschläge

This creamy salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as steamed vegetables, fluffy white rice, or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

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With its vibrant flavors and creamy finish, this baked salmon is a reliable favorite for any seafood lover. Simple preparation and elegant presentation make it a standout choice for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I ensure the salmon stays moist while baking?

Pat the salmon dry before seasoning and apply the lemon butter sauce evenly. Bake until opaque and flaky, avoiding overcooking to retain moisture.

→ Can I use skin-on salmon fillets for this dish?

Yes, skin-on fillets work well. Place them skin side down to help keep the fish moist and allow crisping if broiled briefly at the end.

→ What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

Microwave the cream cheese for 10 to 15 seconds until just softened, making it easier to whisk smoothly into the sauce.

→ Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?

Substitute butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream cheese or omit it. This will slightly alter the richness but keeps the tangy lemon flavor.

→ How can I add a golden crust to the salmon?

After baking, broil for 1 to 2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning, which creates a nicely browned top layer on the sauce.

→ What sides pair well with this salmon dish?

Steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes complement the creamy and tangy flavors, rounding out the meal nicely.