### Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce Recipe: A Delicious Seafood Delight
#### Introduction
Baked fish is a healthy and delicious choice that can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences. One of the tastiest ways to cook fish is by baking it in a creamy lemon sauce, which not only enhances its natural flavors but also makes for a delightful meal. This recipe provides you with detailed steps on how to prepare this dish using SEO-friendly formatting and relevant keywords.
#### Ingredients
- 4 pieces (approx. 8 oz each) of white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
#### Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
#### Steps to Prepare Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce
1. **Preheat the Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure it is fully heated before placing the fish in.
2. **Prepare the Lemon Cream Sauce**
- Slice the lemon into thin rounds and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard if using. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. **Season the Fish**
- Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper. Rub lightly with olive oil to help them brown nicely when baked.
4. **Prepare the Baking Sheet**
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the fish fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down if applicable.
5. **Add Lemon Slices and Sauce**
- Arrange lemon slices over the fish to infuse them with lemon flavor.
- Spoon some of the lemon cream sauce mixture over each piece of fish to coat lightly. You can also drizzle a bit more on top for extra flavor.
6. **Bake the Fish**
- Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive drying.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. **Garnish and Serve**
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness.
- Serve the baked fish with lemon cream sauce over rice or alongside your choice of vegetables.
#### Tips for Perfect Results
- Ensure the fish is completely thawed if using frozen fillets, as this can affect cooking time.
- For a more robust flavor, you can use whole lemons instead of slices and add them to the baking sheet before covering with foil.
- To save time, prepare the sauce in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use.
#### Conclusion
Baked fish with lemon cream sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that impresses both friends and family alike. Don't forget to share your cooking experience by tagging #LemonCreamFish on social media!