This Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce is a weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and luscious textures. Imagine succulent oven-baked salmon nestled with crisp-tender potatoes and broccoli, all draped in a dreamy lemon-herb cream sauce—it’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Lemon-Herb Sauce: The silky, citrusy sauce takes ordinary baked salmon and makes it completely irresistible.
- All-In-One Pan: Potatoes, broccoli, and salmon roast together, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor in one simple sheet pan meal.
- Family-Friendly & Flexible: You can tweak veggies and portions for picky eaters or special occasions, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and dinner parties.
- Restaurant Worthy: This dish looks and tastes fancy, but it’s secretly easy enough for a Wednesday night treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy about the ingredients here—each one is a pantry or produce staple that shines when brought together in this Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce. Every component plays a delicious role, from the hearty potatoes to the fresh herbs for brightness!
- Gold Potatoes: Small, buttery potatoes roast up golden and tender, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Salt, & Pepper: This classic quartet ensures every bite of potato and broccoli is flavorful and savory.
- Broccoli (or Baby Broccoli): Adds crunch, gorgeous color, and just the right dose of good-for-you greens.
- Salmon Fillets: Rich, flaky, and full of Omega-3s, salmon takes center stage—fresh or thawed fillets both work beautifully.
- Butter: The key to a sumptuously smooth lemon sauce (and a little indulgence never hurt!).
- Garlic & Shallot: This aromatic duo infuses the sauce with depth and mellow sweetness.
- Fresh Thyme: Just a few sprigs bring a subtle, woodsy note that pairs so nicely with both seafood and lemon.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the lemon sauce luscious and silky—don’t skip it for true restaurant-style results.
- Chicken Broth: Adds body to the sauce without overpowering the salmon’s gentle flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed for a burst of brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: Chop and sprinkle these over the top for that final pop of color and fresh herb aroma.
Variations
The beauty of Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce is how effortlessly it adapts to what you have on hand—or whatever you’re craving! Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own with a few fun swaps or extra touches.
- Switch Up the Veggies: Try asparagus, green beans, or even cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile and seasonal twist.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use vegan butter for a dairy-free but equally creamy lemon sauce.
- Go Herb Crazy: Swap thyme for dill or tarragon, or mix and match your favorite soft herbs for a flavor-packed finish.
- Use Another Fish: This sauce works wonders with cod, halibut, or even shrimp if you’re out of salmon.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce
Step 1: Roast the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and lining a large baking sheet with parchment for easy clean-up. Cut your gold potatoes into bite-sized pieces, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then spread them out in a single layer. Pop the pan in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes—until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and silky inside.
Step 2: Make the Life-Changing Lemon Herb Sauce
While the potatoes are turning golden in the oven, start your amazing lemon sauce on the stovetop. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add minced garlic, shallot, and fresh thyme. Sauté just until everything is soft and fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and cream, simmer gently until thickened, then whisk in fresh-squeezed lemon juice and finish with a shower of chopped parsley or basil. This sauce is pure magic—don’t be surprised if you want to eat it with a spoon!
Step 3: Add Salmon and Broccoli to the Pan
After potatoes have roasted, nestle your salmon filets and broccoli florets on the same sheet pan. Brush or drizzle with a touch more olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to help everything caramelize. This keeps cleanup easy and infuses every ingredient with flavor as they cook together.
Step 4: Bake Until Just Cooked
Bake everything for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until the broccoli is beautifully green and the salmon gently flakes with a fork. Be careful not to overcook—the key is to stop baking when the salmon is still moist and just past translucent for perfect, juicy bites.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Plate up the salmon, potatoes, and broccoli, then generously ladle your decadent lemon sauce over the top. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of herbs and maybe a squeeze of extra lemon. Now dig in—this Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce is pure dinnertime joy!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce
- Salmon Selection: Look for center-cut fillets for even cooking, and try to choose pieces of similar thickness so everything bakes at the same speed.
- Sauce Thickening: Allow your cream and broth to simmer gently—low and slow is the trick for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon without breaking.
- Herb Finish: Always add fresh parsley or basil at the end for the brightest color and most vibrant flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Salmon continues to cook after leaving the oven—pull it out right as it begins to flake apart for ultimate juiciness.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce
Garnishes
Add another sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs and a few extra lemon wedges right before serving. A little lemon zest is lovely for even more aroma, and a light dusting of flaky sea salt makes everything pop.
Side Dishes
If you want to give this Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce an extra-impressive edge, serve it with a soft baguette for dunking, a fresh green salad, or even rice pilaf—all are wonderful companions that help soak up every drop of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate the salmon fillets over the roasted potatoes and broccoli, then pool the lemon sauce around the edge for a dramatic restaurant effect. You can also serve individual parchment packets (“en papillote”) for a surprise reveal at the table—it turns dinner into an event!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Store the sauce separately if possible, to keep everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
While the cooked potatoes and broccoli are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon fillets and the cooled lemon sauce separately for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm salmon and veggies gently in a low oven (around 300°F, covered with foil) just until heated through. Reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, whisking in a splash of water or cream if it thickened up in the fridge.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce?
Absolutely! Just let the salmon thaw completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry with paper towels before baking for the best texture and flavor.
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How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center. Overbaking can dry it out, so check it a minute or two before the minimum suggested bake time.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream in the lemon sauce?
If you’d like a lighter or dairy-free option, canned coconut cream or plain unsweetened cashew cream both work beautifully in place of heavy cream.
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Can I make Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days, then gently reheat when ready to serve. The salmon is best baked just before eating to keep it perfectly juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that feels special but isn’t fussy, Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce will absolutely win you over. Give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner) will thank you!
PrintBaked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
This Baked Salmon with Amazing Lemon Sauce recipe is a delightful combination of tender salmon, crispy roasted potatoes, and vibrant broccoli, all topped with a heavenly lemon herb sauce. A perfect dish for a special dinner or a weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Sheet Pan:
- 1 lb. small gold potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
- olive oil + garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- 2–3 cups of broccoli florets (baby broccoli in the photos)
- 1–2 lbs. salmon (cut into 2-4 filets)
Lemon Herb Sauce:
- 6-8 tablespoons butter
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Add the potatoes to the pan and toss with a little bit of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until lightly browned and delicious.
- Make the Life-Changingly Delicious Sauce: While the potatoes are roasting, make your sauce. Melt the butter over medium low heat. Add the garlic, shallot, and thyme sprigs; sauté until soft. Add broth and cream; simmer until thickened. Whisk in lemon juice, stir in herbs, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the Salmon and Broccoli: Add the broccoli and salmon to the potato pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes until salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily.
- You’re Done: Serve salmon, potatoes, and broccoli with sauce, herbs, and lemon wedges. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450 calories
- Sugar: Approx. 3g
- Sodium: Approx. 400mg
- Fat: Approx. 25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 30g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100mg
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