Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe
This elegant Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a rich, tangy lemon cream sauce infused with fresh dill. It’s a quick and flavorful dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a creamy, citrusy complement to the tender, crispy-skinned fish.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Salmon
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon Cream Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Optional Garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to ensure a crispy sear. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the salmon: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side up and cook for about 5 minutes until the surface turns golden brown. Flip the fillets to skin-side down and cook another 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked through.
- Set salmon aside: Remove the cooked salmon from the skillet and keep warm on a plate while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the roux and garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Make the cream sauce: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and whisking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add lemon and dill: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh dill. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish the dish: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon cream sauce over them. Simmer gently for an additional 2 minutes to warm the salmon through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the salmon with a generous spoonful of sauce. Optionally, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to provide bright, vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end based on taste preference.
- The sauce can be kept warm on low heat after preparation to prevent it from thickening too much before serving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce (approximately 180g)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Salmon, Lemon Cream Sauce, Seared Salmon, Easy Dinner, Seafood, Healthy Recipes