There is something truly magical about a simple yet elegant salmon dinner, and this Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce Recipe hits all the right notes. The tender, flaky salmon bakes to perfection, soaking in just the right amount of seasoning, while the luscious lemon shallot butter sauce adds a burst of brightness with a silky finish. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together effortlessly, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key for this dish, and I love how straightforward the list is. Each component plays a crucial role: the salmon provides richness, the olive oil ensures a crisp yet tender bake, and the lemon shallot butter sauce brings that fresh, comforting flavor combination that keeps you coming back for more.
- 2 pieces of salmon: Choose fresh, preferably wild-caught for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps the salmon develop a lovely crust and prevents sticking.
- Lemon pepper (to taste): Adds a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with fish.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1 shallot (chopped finely): Brings a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch to the butter sauce.
- 3 tablespoons butter: The base of the sauce, adding creaminess and richness.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Offers a warm, aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus notes and lingering aroma.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Season the sauce perfectly and balance the flavors.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Getting the oven nice and hot upfront ensures that your salmon will cook evenly and develop that delicate texture we all love, without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Lay your salmon pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet. This simple trick saves you a ton of clean-up time and keeps your fish from sticking. Then, drizzle the salmon with olive oil and rub it evenly all around, which helps create a gentle crisp on the outside.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Sprinkle lemon pepper and salt over the salmon. Don’t be shy here—seasoning is the secret to bringing out the salmon’s natural flavor. Make sure to distribute it evenly to get consistent taste in every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and cook for about 15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have a slightly opaque look when it’s done. This timing hits the sweet spot for tender, juicy fish.
Step 5: Make the Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce
While the salmon is baking, combine chopped shallot and minced garlic in a small pan over medium heat. Add the butter, lemon juice, and zest to the pan and cook gently until the shallots soften. This sauce melds buttery richness with fresh, zesty brightness and a bit of sweet onion flavor that perfectly complements the salmon.
Step 6: Serve
Once the salmon is cooked through, transfer it to plates and generously spoon the warm lemon shallot butter sauce over the top. This final step takes the Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce Recipe from simple to insanely delicious in seconds.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can bring another layer of freshness and color to your plate, perfectly partnering with the lemon shallot butter. A few thin lemon slices on top add an inviting look and a punch of citrus aroma right before you dig in.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think steamed asparagus, garlic roasted potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette. These sides keep the meal balanced and let the salmon shine in the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, plate the salmon over a bed of herbed quinoa or wild rice mixed with toasted nuts. For a more casual vibe, place the salmon between slices of toasted sourdough with a smear of the lemon shallot butter sauce as a filling—it’s a game-changer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked salmon with lemon shallot butter sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. While the sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the fish alone for up to 1 month and then prepare a fresh batch of the butter sauce later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave on a medium setting to keep the salmon from drying out. Add a little extra butter or lemon juice after warming to refresh the flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even baking and prevent excess moisture.
Is lemon shallot butter sauce good on other fish?
Definitely! This bright, buttery sauce works beautifully with other mild fish such as cod, halibut, or trout. It’s a versatile companion to many seafood dishes.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious and rich.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside. It will turn slightly opaque but not dry or tough. Usually, 15 minutes at 375 degrees works well for standard fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prepping because the salmon holds its flavor and texture well when stored properly, and the sauce can be made fresh quickly or stored alongside.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce Recipe enough if you want a dish that feels gourmet but comes together with ease. The balance of flavors, the buttery sauce, and the effortless prep make it one of my all-time favorites to share. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to in your cooking repertoire too.
Print
Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy and elegant Baked Salmon with Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner or special occasion meal. Tender salmon fillets are baked to perfection and topped with a rich, tangy butter sauce featuring fresh shallots, garlic, lemon juice, and zest, creating a bright and flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 pieces of salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Lemon pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Lemon Shallot Butter Sauce
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet for an easy clean-up after cooking.
- Season Salmon: Brush the salmon fillets evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle lemon pepper and salt to taste, ensuring the seasoning covers the surface evenly. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven.
- Prepare Shallot and Garlic: While the salmon bakes, finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic, then combine them in a small pan.
- Make Butter Sauce: Add the butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan with the shallots and garlic. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes until the shallots soften and the butter melts. Then reduce heat to low to keep the sauce warm until the salmon is ready.
- Serve: Once the salmon is cooked through (about 15 minutes), transfer the fillets to serving plates and drizzle the warm lemon shallot butter sauce over the top for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- For firmer salmon, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the butter sauce.
- Use foil lining on the baking sheet to reduce clean-up time.
- Adjust lemon pepper and salt according to your taste preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
