Salmon in Creamy Basil and Lemon Sauce

Salmon with lemon and basil sauce in a skillet garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Salmon in Creamy Basil and Lemon Sauce

Rich, indulgent and fancy, but so easy to make, this salmon in creamy basil and lemon sauce is sure to impress! Fresh and zingy, this dish is quick enough to enjoy for a weeknight dinner, but delicious enough to serve to company.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings servings

Calories 532kcal

Author Slow The Cook Down

Equipment

Large Skillet

Ingredients

1 pound salmon (about 4 thin fillets) (450g)
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
1½ cups cream (35%) (350ml)
pinch black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
2 garlic cloves (minced)
zest of two lemons
juice of 1 lemon
handful of fresh basil leaves (around 20) plus more for garnish

Instructions

Gently pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the oil in a large skillet and place on a medium high heat on the stovetop.
Once hot, add the salmon fillets to the pan, skin side down. Cook the salmon on both sides til cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the fillets from the pan and set aside.
Keep the skillet on the heat, and add in the butter, cream, salt and pepper, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice.
Bring to a simmer and then keep cooking, stirring occassionally til it thickens into a sauce.
Once you have a thicker consistency (5 to 10 minutes depending on the heat), stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Place the cooked salmon fillets back in the skillet and spoon over the sauce to warm through.
Serve with a sprinkle of black pepper and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

You can use skin on or skinless salmon fillets. I prefer to use skin on for extra flavor and texture, but either will work.
Take care not to overcook the salmon or it can become tough. Cook the salmon on both sides, and it will release itself from the skillet when it's ready to be flipped.
Fresh basil is best in this recipe. In a pinch you can use a tablespoon of dried, add it to the skillet with the cream so that it has a chance to release it's flavor.

Nutrition