Baked Salmon in Lemon Cream Sauce (30-Minute Meal)

Tender, flaky baked salmon smothered in a rich, zesty lemon cream sauce. This effortless 30-minute Nordic dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

Published: 7/22/2026

Baked Salmon in Lemon Cream Sauce

This recipe is a staple in Scandinavian homes. The concept of “Pantry Simplification” shines here: you prepare the rich lemon cream sauce in a bowl, pour it directly over the raw salmon, and let the oven do the rest. The acid in the lemon perfectly balances the richness of the salmon and cream.

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1.3 lbs (600 g) salmon fillet, skin-on or skinless
• 3/4 cup (200 ml) heavy whipping cream
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Place the salmon fillet into the baking dish (if using skin-on, place the skin side down). Season the fish lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, remaining salt, pepper, and fresh dill.
4. Pour the lemon cream sauce directly over the salmon.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the sauce is bubbling.
6. Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve immediately.

Serving

Spoon the extra sauce from the baking dish over the salmon. This pairs beautifully with boiled baby potatoes, rice, or roasted asparagus.

Pro Tips

• The Sauce: Making the sauce first and pouring it over the fish keeps the salmon incredibly moist and prevents it from drying out in the oven.

Categories: mains, seafood