Name: Baked Salmon Recipes with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (sockeye or Atlantic); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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I’ve always believed that a good salmon dinner can rescue even the dreariest of days. This baked salmon recipe is one I keep coming back to, not only because it’s easy, but because it tastes like something from a seaside bistro. Picture this: tender, flaky sockeye salmon baked to perfection, then covered with a velvety lemon garlic sauce that clings to every bite. You don’t need to fuss or flip—it’s all done in one baking dish while you’re free to set the table or pour yourself a glass of something crisp. The aroma alone is worth making it. I first whipped this up on a weeknight when I had frozen salmon in the freezer and very little patience for elaborate cooking. By the time the oven timer chimed, I had a dinner that looked like it belonged on a magazine cover. If you’re looking for salmon dinner ideas that won’t make you break a sweat, this recipe for baked salmon has you covered. Whether it’s fresh sockeye or one of your frozen salmon recipes baked straight from the freezer, the result is always rich, bright, and deeply satisfying. For me, it’s become one of those go-to salmon dinner recipes I know I can trust every single time.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
4) How to Make Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
5) Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
6) Making Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This baked salmon recipe delivers flaky, tender fish in under 30 minutes.
The creamy lemon garlic sauce adds a fresh, rich flavor that works for weeknights or special dinners.
Perfect for fresh or frozen salmon, making it a flexible option.
A great way to expand your salmon dinner ideas with minimal effort.

2) Easy Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

I’ve made a lot of salmon in my time, but baked salmon recipes like this one keep me loyal. It’s that mix of convenience and flavor that makes it a regular in my kitchen. The fish cooks up juicy and tender while the sauce, silky and tangy from lemon and garlic, wraps each bite in comfort. Two of the main reasons I keep coming back to it? No complicated steps and no reason to hover over the stove.

This works just as well with fresh fillets as it does with frozen salmon recipes baked straight from the freezer. That means fewer grocery store trips and more time to enjoy a quiet evening at home. The sauce comes together in minutes while the salmon is in the oven, so both are ready together.

Whether you’re hunting for a sockeye salmon recipe baked with a bit of flair, or simply want new salmon dinner recipes that you know will please, this one checks the boxes. I’ve served it to guests, to family, and even to myself on nights when I want to eat well without fuss.

3) Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Salmon Fillets Choose sockeye or Atlantic, fresh or frozen, both work beautifully here. Four fillets will give you hearty portions without feeling heavy.

Olive Oil A drizzle over the fillets helps keep the salmon moist while adding a subtle richness.

Lemon Juice Brightens the flavor and pairs perfectly with the garlic in the sauce.

Lemon Zest Adds an extra punch of citrus fragrance that hits you the moment you lift your fork.

Garlic Freshly minced for a full, warm aroma in the sauce.

Heavy Cream Creates the smooth, indulgent texture of the sauce.

Salt Brings out the natural flavors in both the salmon and sauce.

Black Pepper Adds a gentle bite to balance the creamy sauce.

Fresh Parsley Chopped and sprinkled over the top for color and freshness.

4) How to Make Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a baking dish that comfortably fits your salmon fillets.

Step 2. Place the fillets in the dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Step 3. In a small saucepan, heat the cream with minced garlic over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

Step 4. Pour the warm sauce evenly over the salmon.

Step 5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6. Garnish with parsley and serve right away.

5) Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Keep the salmon skin-side down so the fish stays together when you serve it. The skin also protects the delicate flesh during baking.

If using frozen salmon, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. You can bake from frozen if needed, just extend the cook time by a few minutes.

Go easy on the salt if your salmon is already brined or pre-seasoned. It’s easier to add more at the table than to fix over-seasoned fish.

6) Making Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce Ahead of Time

Prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to bake the salmon, warm the sauce slightly before pouring it over the fish. This keeps the texture smooth.

You can also season and arrange the salmon in the baking dish earlier in the day. Cover it with plastic wrap and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

For a quick weeknight dinner, keep frozen fillets on hand and make the sauce fresh while the oven preheats.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce

Cool leftovers to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of cream or water when reheating.

Leftover salmon makes a great topping for salads or can be flaked into pasta the next day.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Baked Salmon with Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce