Creamy Lemon Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Lemon Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The rich, tangy sauce pairs beautifully with tender seared salmon, creating a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1.3 pounds salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (more for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 shallot (diced)
• 2 tbsp capers (optional)
• Zest from 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup cream (full-fat)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika. Dice the shallot and mince the garlic cloves in preparation.
2. Step 2: Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, diced shallot, and lemon zest. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and softened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the capers if using, then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the cream, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and sprinkle with additional black pepper if desired. Let everything simmer together for 1 more minute to allow the flavors to meld and the salmon to finish cooking.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for the full-fat cream.
• Try adding a handful of fresh spinach or chopped asparagus to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
• If you don’t have fresh dill, 1 teaspoon of dried dill works as a substitute—add it earlier in the cooking process to enhance flavor.
• Serve with steamed rice, crusty bread, or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the salmon. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating can help maintain the sauce’s texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even searing.

What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have capers, you can omit them or substitute with a small amount of chopped green olives or a splash of lemon juice to maintain the briny, tangy flavor.

Creamy Lemon Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 98 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Lemon Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets bathed in a luxurious lemon-dill cream sauce enriched with garlic, shallots, and capers. The dish balances rich, velvety cream with bright citrus notes, making it an elegant yet simple meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Seasoning

• 1.3 pounds salmon fillets
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper (plus more for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sweet paprika

For Searing

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, diced
• 2 tbsp capers (optional)
• Zest from 1 lemon
• ¼ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup cream (full-fat)
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepping: Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt, coarsely ground black pepper, garlic powder, and sweet paprika for a flavorful crust. Dice the shallot finely and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for the sauce.
2. Searing: Heat the olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and sear on one side for about 3 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip the fillets and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
3. Cooking Aromatics: To the same skillet, add the minced garlic, diced shallot, and lemon zest. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the shallots soften slightly and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
4. Deglazing: Stir in the optional capers, then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon for added depth of flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Simmering the Sauce: Add the full-fat cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken and meld the flavors together.
6. Finishing the Dish: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy lemon sauce over the top. Sprinkle with additional black pepper to taste. Simmer everything together for 1 more minute so the salmon can absorb some of the sauce and heat through without overcooking.

Notes

• Using full-fat cream ensures a rich, velvety sauce—do not substitute with low-fat dairy.
• If you prefer dairy-free, consider using a coconut cream alternative and vegetable broth.
• Capers add a briny punch but can be omitted if desired.
• Serve immediately with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps achieve a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
• Cooking times may vary based on salmon thickness; avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist and tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Lemon Salmon, seared salmon, lemon dill sauce, easy salmon recipe, one pan salmon, creamy sauce, seafood dinner