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Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe

5.1 from 22 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Set salmon aside: Remove the cooked salmon from the skillet and keep warm on a plate while preparing the sauce.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Keywords: Salmon, Lemon Cream Sauce, Seared Salmon, Easy Dinner, Seafood, Healthy Recipes