Description
Succulent lemon butter garlic salmon brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Delicate fish fillets bathe in a luxurious sauce that elevates weeknight meals into memorable culinary experiences you’ll savor with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 salmon fillets (skinless), about 150 g/5 ounces each
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for salmon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced, for salmon)
- 2 tablespoons old style Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (for salmon)
- Salt, to taste
Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic cloves (minced)
- 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (for sauce, optional)
- 1 tablespoon parsley (finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (for sauce)
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), positioning the rack centrally to ensure even cooking of the salmon.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard until thoroughly combined.
- Arrange the salmon fillets in a skillet, generously coating them with the prepared marinade. Massage the mixture into the fish to enhance flavor penetration.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salmon to season the fillets evenly.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the salmon reaches a delicate, flaky texture and opaque appearance.
- While the salmon cooks, prepare the accompanying sauce by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Add finely chopped garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 20-30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
- Pour heavy cream into the butter and garlic mixture, allowing it to simmer and gradually thicken.
- Remove the sauce from heat and optionally stir in additional lemon juice for brightness.
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-7 minutes to retain moisture.
- Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the salmon fillets.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a final crack of black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they are properly scaled and deboned.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a crispy exterior and enhance sauce absorption.
- Avoid overcooking salmon by checking doneness at 10 minutes; fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother sauce blending and more consistent cooking results.
- Consider removing salmon skin before serving for a more elegant presentation, though crispy skin can be deliciously enjoyable.
- Pair this dish with light sides like roasted asparagus, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to complement the rich, buttery salmon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 286 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg