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Baked Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Baked Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 25-28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Description

Baked Salmon with Creamy Garlic Sauce is a quick, wholesome dinner featuring tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection and topped with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors balanced with healthy omega-3 rich salmon, perfect for family-friendly weeknight meals.


Ingredients

Salmon

  • Salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin-on for moisture and crispiness)

Sauce

  • Butter (provides a velvety base and carries garlic flavor)
  • Garlic cloves, minced (fresh for aromatic pungency)
  • Heavy cream (for a rich and luscious sauce)
  • Parmesan cheese (adds nutty depth and thickens the sauce)
  • Lemon juice (for brightness and citrusy zing)
  • Salt and pepper (to season)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness and color)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce stick better. Lightly season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper before arranging them evenly in a baking dish, skin side down if using skin-on fillets.
  2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for richness and a fresh twist.
  3. Combine and Bake: Pour the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the salmon fillets in the baking dish. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the sauce bubbles gently around the edges.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the baked salmon with freshly chopped parsley right after it comes out of the oven to add color and a refreshing herbaceous note. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and silky.

Notes

  • Salmon thickness matters: Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness to avoid overcooking.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemon juice make a noticeable difference in flavor brightness.
  • Don’t skip the resting time: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier texture.
  • Watch the sauce consistency: If your cream sauce is too runny, simmer a little longer before pouring over salmon.
  • Skin-on preference: Baking with skin on helps keep salmon moist and creates a crispy contrast if you choose to eat it.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: baked salmon, creamy garlic sauce, healthy salmon recipe, quick dinner, easy salmon, family-friendly salmon, garlic cream sauce