Butter Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce
This Butter Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is a rich elegant and simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender pan-seared salmon is coated in a velvety lemon cream sauce infused with garlic butter and finished with a bright garnish of fresh dill and lemon slices. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a romantic meal at home combining richness and freshness in every bite.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets skin on or off
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 cup heavy cream
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Lemon slices for garnish
Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Season and sear the salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
Sear salmon skin side down for 4 to 5 minutes flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes
Remove from skillet and set aside
Make the lemon cream sauce
In the same skillet reduce heat to medium and add butter
Once melted add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
Pour in broth lemon juice and lemon zest stir to deglaze
Let simmer for 2 minutes
Add cream and simmer
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer
Let the sauce reduce slightly for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens
Return salmon to the skillet
Add salmon fillets back into the pan
Spoon sauce over the top and cook for another 2 minutes
Garnish and serve
Top with chopped dill fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices
Serve immediately with rice pasta or steamed vegetables
Tips
Use skin-on salmon for crispier texture and better flavor retention during searing
Pat salmon dry before cooking to get a nice golden crust
Don’t overcook the salmon—it should be just opaque in the center and flake easily
Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream
Add lemon slices at the end for a fresh finish without overpowering the sauce
Variations
Add spinach or kale to the sauce for extra color and nutrition
Swap the protein with trout or chicken breasts for a different take
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option
Make it spicy with a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper
Serve with sides like garlic mashed potatoes roasted asparagus or buttered noodles
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh but you can prepare the sauce and sear the salmon in advance then reheat gently before serving
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Half and half or coconut cream can be used though the sauce may be slightly thinner
Q: Is this dish keto friendly?
A: Yes it is low in carbs and high in healthy fats just skip starchy sides like pasta
Q: What herbs besides dill can I use?
A: Fresh parsley thyme or chives also pair well with the lemon and butter flavors
Nutrition Information (Per Serving Approximate)
Calories: 500 to 600 kcal
Protein: 35 to 40 g
Fat: 35 to 40 g
Saturated Fat: 15 to 20 g
Carbohydrates: 3 to 6 g
Fiber: Less than 1 g
Sugar: 1 to 2 g
Sodium: 300 to 500 mg
Note values may vary based on portion size and sides served
Conclusion
Butter Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce is a simple yet luxurious dish that transforms everyday ingredients into an elevated meal. The richness of the butter and cream is perfectly balanced by the brightness of lemon and freshness of dill. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests this recipe is an easy way to make dinner feel special without extra effort. Light golden salmon and velvety sauce come together in perfect harmony making every bite comforting fresh and full of flavor.