Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce is a fresh, flavorful, and easy dinner that brings together tender, flaky salmon and a bright, buttery lemon sauce bursting with garlic and herbs. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining, ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, perfectly baked salmon every time
- Tangy, garlicky lemon sauce that truly lives up to its name
- Quick and easy—ready in under half an hour
- Naturally gluten-free and low-carb
- Elegant enough for dinner guests, easy enough for weeknights
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the salmon:
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder or minced garlic
- Paprika (optional)
- Lemon slices (for baking)
For the lemon sauce:
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Dijon mustard (for a subtle tang)
- Honey or maple syrup (for balance)
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
directions
- Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Prep the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika (if using). Place lemon slices on top.
- Bake: Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1215 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 125130°F for medium).
- Make the sauce: While salmon bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, mustard, and honey. Simmer for 23 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish and serve: Remove salmon from the oven. Spoon lemon sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream for a rich sauce.
- Add capers: For a briny, Mediterranean twist.
- Use other herbs: Basil, chives, or thyme all complement the lemon beautifully.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon sauce.
- Grill the salmon: Grill instead of baking for a smoky flavor.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
The lemon sauce can be stored separately and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Freezing is not recommended for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125130°F for medium doneness.
Can I make the lemon sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made 12 days in advance and gently reheated before serving.
What’s the best kind of salmon to use?
Atlantic, sockeye, or coho all work well—choose what’s fresh or available.
Do I need to remove the skin?
No, you can bake with the skin on—just serve the fillets skin-side down.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for the brightest flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
Is the sauce very lemony?
It’s bright and zesty, but balanced with butter and a hint of sweetness.
What sides pair well with this?
Try roasted vegetables, rice, couscous, or a crisp green salad.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter or olive oil in place of regular butter.
Will this recipe work with other fish?
Absolutely—try it with cod, trout, or halibut.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce is a simple, stunning dish that brings together rich, flaky salmon with a vibrant, buttery lemon-garlic sauce. It’s perfect for when you want something healthy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Fresh, fast, and full of flavor—this recipe is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
Description
This easy baked salmon is juicy, flaky, and topped with a silky lemon butter sauce that’s truly “amazing.” It’s bright, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
For the Baked Salmon:
For the Amazing Lemon Sauce:
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Bake the Salmon:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 1012 minutes, or until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Set aside. -
Make the Lemon Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 12 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in lemon juice, then add cream and continue simmering for 23 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Serve:
Spoon the lemon sauce over baked salmon. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon zest if desired. Serve with roasted veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
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For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and canned coconut milk instead of cream.
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Add capers to the sauce for a briny, tangy twist.
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Pairs well with asparagus, broccoli, or a light green salad.
