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Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce
SeafoodDinnerHealthy Eating

Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce

Stewart Lucas
By Stewart Lucas, Chief Culinary Specialist
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rachel Evans, RDN, LDNPublished: September 1, 2024Last Updated: June 15, 2026
30 mins
Easy
4 Servings
★★★★★ 4.9 (34 reviews)
Quick Summary Answer
⏱️ 4 min read read📅 Updated: June 15, 2026

This chef-curated Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Key Takeaways

  • ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
  • ✓Delivers 27g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
  • ✓Portion-balanced at 452 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
  • ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.

The Story

This chef-curated Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

Ingredients & Measurements

  • From: Wayne Sun wcs5u@galen.med.virginia.edu
  • Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1993 13:58:43 GMT
  • Here's a recipe from "Gourmet Gazelle Cookbook" that
  • was printed in the "Washington Post" a couple months back. I
  • haven't tried it yet, but it sounds delicious! :-)
  • Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs. salmon fillets
  • 1 1/2 T unsalted butter
  • 3 shallots, peeled and minced
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/3 cup light cream
  • 1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 t freshly ground white pepper
  • 1/4 t salt, or to taste

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

  • Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
  • Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
  • Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Cut the salmon into 6 equal serving pieces, wash and pat dry on paper towels

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Sear the salmon on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the center slightly rare since the fish will continue to cook after it is taken from the pan

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Remove the fish from the pan with a slotted spatula and keep warm

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Reduce the heat to low and add the shollots and garlic to the pan

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Saute, stirring frquently, for 5 minutes

Chef's Pro Tips & Variations

Nutritional Profile per Serving

MetricAmountDietary Benefit
Calories452 kcalControlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn
Protein27gHigh-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance
Carbohydrates25gComplex, slow-digesting dietary fiber
Fat17gWholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption

Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce

This chef-curated Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

★★★★★4.9 from 34 votes
Salmon With Basil Cream Sauce
CourseDinner
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings4
AuthorStewart Lucas

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)

Calories23% DV
452 kcal
Protein54% DV
27g
Fat22% DV
17g
Carbs9% DV
25g
Scale Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredient Substitutions

Original IngredientHealthy Alternative
Salmon/CodSteelhead trout, halibut, or sea bass (baking times may vary)
Asparagus/VegZucchini slices, broccoli florets, or green beans (roast at same temperature)

Instructions

1

Technique & Execution: Cut the salmon into 6 equal serving pieces, wash and pat dry on paper towels

2

Technique & Execution: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat

3

Technique & Execution: Sear the salmon on each side for about 2 to 3 minutes, keeping the center slightly rare since the fish will continue to cook after it is taken from the pan

3:00
4

Technique & Execution: Remove the fish from the pan with a slotted spatula and keep warm

5

Technique & Execution: Reduce the heat to low and add the shollots and garlic to the pan

6

Technique & Execution: Saute, stirring frquently, for 5 minutes

5:00

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.

Storage & Freezing Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a lid to keep the fish tender. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing cooked fish as it degrades the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?▼

Ensure your baking dish is lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper, and make sure the oven is fully preheated before cooking.

Can I make this recipe with frozen fish?▼

Yes. Thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it dry thoroughly with a paper towel before adding seasonings.

Tried this recipe?

Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!

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Stewart Lucas

Stewart Lucas

Chief Culinary Specialist

Stewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.

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