Salmon With Lemon Basil Sauce
Succulent salmon steaks topped with a vibrant lemon basil sauce, blending citrus, herbs, and butter for a fresh, flavorful seafood dish ideal for elegant dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon steaks (1 inch thick) ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 c. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 dashes Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. white vinegar
- 1/2 c. unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. coarsely chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 lemon peels, grated ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Wesson oil ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced shallots ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine minced shallots, minced garlic, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, dry mustard, salt, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and white vinegar in a saucepan.
- Simmer at a gentle boil over medium heat until the mixture is reduced by about one-third.
- Add unsalted butter, grated lemon peels, and chopped fresh basil to the saucepan.
- Heat until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Meanwhile, cook the salmon steaks until desired doneness, typically by grilling or pan-searing.
- Serve the salmon topped with the warm lemon basil sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, let the lemon basil sauce sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the ingredients to meld. If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute with dried basil, using one-third of the amount. For a spicier kick, increase the Tabasco sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables or a side salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the salmon with lemon basil sauce over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Pair it with steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. This recipe also complements Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile choice for dinner gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover salmon and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The sauce can be reheated in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon With Lemon Basil Sauce contains roughly 392 calories, with 16g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (175% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2343mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but it's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures more even cooking and better texture. If you use frozen, be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, you can use lime juice or vinegar as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but both alternatives will still provide acidity and brightness to the sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten this dish, reduce the amount of butter in the sauce or use olive oil instead. You can also serve the salmon with a larger portion of vegetables and a smaller portion of sauce to reduce calories while still enjoying the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).