Orange Basil Sauce Over Salmon Fillets

Elevate your dinner table with this exquisite recipe for Orange Basil Sauce Over Salmon Fillets, a dish that balances zesty citrus with the earthy sweetness of fresh basil. Perfectly baked salmon fillets are brushed with olive oil, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and cooked to tender, flaky perfection. The real star, however, is the vibrant sauce—a velvety blend of freshly squeezed orange juice, fragrant orange zest, rich honey, buttery garlic, and a hint of cornstarch for an irresistibly smooth texture. Finished with a pop of fresh basil, this sauce transforms the salmon into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily master at home. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe combines elegance, flavor, and simplicity, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Pair it with steamed vegetables or fluffy rice for a complete, unforgettable meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 fillets (6 ounces each) salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves (minced) garlic
• 0.25 cup (chopped) fresh basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush them lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

Place the fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4

While the salmon cooks, prepare the orange basil sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 6

Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir the mixture into the sauce and cook for another 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the unsalted butter until it melts. Fold in the chopped basil leaves.

Step 10

Once the salmon is cooked, transfer each fillet to a serving plate. Spoon the orange basil sauce generously over the fillets and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.

Step 11

Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(907.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1849.8

Total Fat 128.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 334.2mg	0%
Sodium 1143.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 35.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.5g	0%
Total Sugars 27.8g
Protein 143.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 46.7mg	0%
Iron 5.1mg	0%
Potassium 318.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.8%

Protein: 30.6%

Carbs: 7.6%