If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce. The tender, flaky salmon paired with a luscious, tangy cream sauce brightened by fresh lemon zest and juice creates a heavenly balance of flavors that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Every bite sings with garlic and dill, while the silky sauce wraps the fish in pure comfort. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special dinner, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce recipe lies in its simplicity and high-impact ingredients. Each component plays an essential role in creating a dish that’s rich without being heavy, fresh without being overwhelming. These pantry basics come together to highlight the salmon perfectly, offering delicious layers of flavor and a wonderful texture.

Salmon fillets (4 at 6 oz each): Look for fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and flavor.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural taste of the salmon.
Extra-virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a light, fruity flavor and helps achieve a crisp sear.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Brings richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic perfectly.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Creates the roux base that thickens the creamy sauce seamlessly.
Heavy cream (1 1/4 cups): Delivers the luscious texture that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Adds bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Chopped fresh dill (2 tablespoons): Offers a lovely herbal note that complements both lemon and salmon.

How to Make Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps get that gorgeous sear later. Then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring each bite is flavorful right from the start.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Perfection

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side up and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown. Flip the fillets carefully and cook skin-side down for another 5 minutes to achieve a crispy finish that adds wonderful texture contrast.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Cream Sauce

Remove the salmon and set it aside gently. Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until it just starts to bloom, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously to avoid lumps, cooking for about a minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens into a velvety consistency. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh dill, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the salmon fillets back to the skillet, nestling them gently into the lemon cream sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the top and let everything simmer together on a low heat for 2 minutes. This allows the salmon to soak up all those vibrant flavors while staying wonderfully tender and moist.

How to Serve Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat contrast or a few fresh sprigs of dill to echo the sauce’s herbal notes. A thin lemon slice garnish adds a pop of color and hints at the citrusy goodness inside.

Side Dishes

This Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy risotto to soak up the sauce, or go for something lighter like steamed asparagus, green beans, or a crisp arugula salad to add a fresh, peppery punch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or wild rice pilaf to bring in contrasting textures and colors. For an elegant twist, plate each fillet atop garlic butter polenta or even atop roasted baby vegetables for a colorful, restaurant-quality experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place any leftover salmon and lemon cream sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the freshness and delicate flavor of the dish.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon with sauce, it’s not ideal for preserving the creamy sauce’s texture. If freezing is necessary, freeze the salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers to maintain better quality and thaw gently before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on low heat in a skillet or in the microwave at a low power setting. Stir the sauce occasionally to keep it smooth, and try not to overcook the salmon, which can make it dry.

FAQs

Can I use other herbs instead of dill?

Absolutely! Fresh parsley, tarragon, or chives can all complement the lemon cream sauce nicely if you want to switch things up or don’t have dill on hand.

Is this recipe suitable for cooking salmon with skin on?

Yes, cooking with the skin on helps protect the salmon flesh from drying out and adds a delightfully crispy texture when seared well, as in this recipe.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

Heavy cream is key for that rich, velvety sauce, but you can try half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be moist and tender inside. Cooking about 5 minutes per side usually does the trick, but always keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce without gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is one of those dishes that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its balance of bright citrus, fresh herbs, and rich creaminess paired with perfectly cooked salmon makes for a memorable meal every time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how effortlessly it becomes a favorite in your repertoire.