Salmon with Basil Champagne Cream Sauce

Elevate your dinner table with this elegant Salmon with Basil Champagne Cream Sauce, a dish that's as indulgent as it is easy to make. Perfectly seared salmon fillets, with their crispy skin and tender, flaky interior, are bathed in a luscious sauce made from champagne, heavy cream, and fragrant fresh basil. The tangy brightness of lemon zest and juice cuts through the richness, creating a balanced flavor profile that’s both decadent and refreshing. Ready in just 35 minutes, this restaurant-quality recipe is ideal for date nights, special occasions, or any evening when you crave gourmet flair. Serve it with roasted vegetables or wild rice for a complete and unforgettable meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (6-8 oz each) Salmon fillets
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Shallots, finely minced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Champagne or dry sparkling white wine
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 0.25 cup Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons Lemon juice
• 4 sprigs Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving to ensure a crispy skin.

Step 3

Flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 4

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the minced shallots and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Carefully pour in the champagne, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it and incorporate any browned bits. Let the champagne simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6

Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7

Mix in the chopped basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to warm them slightly.

Step 9

Serve the salmon fillets on plates, generously drizzled with the basil champagne cream sauce. Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh basil. Pair with your favorite side dish, such as roasted vegetables or wild rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1443.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2957.8

Total Fat 220.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 618.8mg	0%
Sodium 3091.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 14.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.5g	0%
Total Sugars 3.0g
Protein 168.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 148.5mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 460.7mg	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: 73.1%

Protein: 24.7%

Carbs: 2.2%