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Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Bake

Tender salmon fillets baked in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, perfect for a quick, elegant dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, European
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Salmon
  • 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tsp thyme dried or 1 tsp fresh
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Toppings & Garnishes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place in the baking dish.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Pour the sauce evenly over salmon fillets, ensuring they are coated.
  6. Bake 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Remove from oven, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, simmer slightly longer before pouring over salmon. Can be served with rice, pasta, or vegetables.