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Home » Recipes » Seafood

Crispy Salmon with Basil Butter Sauce

Updated: Jan 31, 2026 Published: Jan 22, 2024 by Lola Jay This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Crispy Salmon recipe combines buttery salmon with the aromatic freshness of basil! Together, they bring you a dining experience that marries crispiness, succulence, and the delicate flavors of herbs. This quick and simple recipe only requires about 15 minutes from start to finish!

Grilled salmon fillets garnished with herbs and lemon slices on a white plate. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.

This recipe is on constant rotation in my home! It pairs nicely with my Roasted Vegetables with a Basil Lemon Sauce or my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Although crispy salmon can seem hard to achieve, follow my steps and you'll be pleasantly surprised! If you prefer Crispy Salmon in a creamy sauce, you have to try my DELICIOUS Creamy Tuscan Salmon Recipe! And one of my favorites Mediterranean Orange Salmon with a non-Traditional Gremolata!


Our Recipe

Buttery Salmon: Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon is a beautiful combination of textures and flavors, rooted in seafaring traditions that celebrate the simplicity of fresh catch. Salmon, a nutrient powerhouse, takes center stage with its rich omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and an array of vitamins and minerals.

Elevating Tradition with Basil Butter Sauce: The addition of Basil Butter Sauce not only enhances the dish's flavor but also introduces fresh basil's health-boosting properties. Basil is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, adding an extra layer of wellness to your meal.


The Health Benefits Of Crispy Salmon

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support heart health by reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and maintaining blood vessel flexibility.

High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, salmon provides a complete protein source.

Vitamins B12 and D: B12 supports nerve function and the production of red blood cells, while vitamin D promotes bone health and immune function.

Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and supporting thyroid function.

Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant that gives salmon its pink color, contributing to skin health and protecting against oxidative stress.

Fresh salmon fillets with peppercorns and lemon on a wooden board, ideal for healthy cooking and seafood recipes.

Why You'll Love This Dish

Heart-Healthy Goodness: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon promote cardiovascular health, making this dish a delectable choice for a heart-healthy diet.

Protein-Packed Delight: Salmon's high-quality protein content supports muscle health, making it an excellent option for those seeking a protein-rich meal.

Quick and Easy Preparation: In the midst of busy schedules, this dish offers a quick and easy solution for a nutritious and flavorful meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, it's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Do you love Seafood but in the mood for a sandwich instead? I made the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Sandwich but better!


If you enjoyed this video for Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon, please subscribe to my Youtube Channel and click the BELL icon so you can be the first to know when I post a new video.


FAQ

What should I look for when choosing fresh salmon at the grocery store or fish market? When selecting fresh salmon, pay attention to the following:

  • Color: Look for vibrant, pink or orange hues, depending on the variety. Avoid dull or faded colors.
  • Texture: The flesh should be firm to the touch and bounce back when pressed gently.
  • Smell: Fresh salmon should have a clean, ocean-like scent. Avoid fish with a strong, fishy odor.

Is it better to choose wild-caught or farm-raised salmon? Both options have merits. Wild-caught salmon is praised for its natural diet and potentially higher omega-3 content. Wild salmon is easier to overcook since it’s leaner so aim for the lower end of the time range but I still prefer wild-caught. Farm-raised salmon can offer a consistent supply, and tends to have thicker fillets with a higher fat content so it is more forgiving and can be baked longer without drying out.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh in the sauce? Fresh basil is highly recommended for its nutritional benefits and vibrant flavor. If using dried basil, rehydrate it in warm water before adding it to the sauce.


⭐️ Recipe

Grilled salmon fillets garnished with herbs and lemon slices on a white plate. Perfect for a healthy, flavorful meal.

Crispy Salmon with Basil Butter

A crispy pan-seared salmon topped with a luscious basil butter sauce
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: basil, quick, salmon
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 500kcal
Author: Lola Jay

Ingredients

  • 4 4 Oz salmon filet 4-5 oz per filet
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon Avocado oil

Basil Butter

  • ½ cup of basil leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions 

Prevent your screen from going dark
  • Combine all your basil butter ingredients in a mixing bowl or food processor and set aside.
    Basil, garlic, and oil in a food processor on a wooden board, ready to make fresh pesto sauce.
  • Bring your salmon to room temperature to ensure it doesn't stick to your pan. Then brush with olive oil and salt and pepper your salmon on both sides.
    Brushing oil on fresh salmon fillets on a wooden board, preparing for cooking.
  • Heat up your oil in preferably a cast iron pan. Make sure to use a high smoke point oil. Let the oil heat on high heat for 4 minutes or so. You want to make sure the oil is very hot to get that nice sear.
    Oil being poured into a cast iron skillet with High Smoke Point = 400F text displayed.
  • Bring the heat down to medium high. If you are using skin on salmon, place your salmon down on the skin side first. Sear for about 3-5 minutes if you are using no skin and 5-7 minutes if you are using skin on salmon.
    Four salmon fillets seasoned with black pepper in a cast iron skillet, ready for cooking on a wooden countertop.
  • Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
    Sizzling salmon fillets in a cast iron pan, being flipped with tongs for perfect sear.
  • Bring your heat down to medium and remove the excess oil leaving about 1 tbsp. Add in your basil butter. Continuously spoon the butter over your salmon for about 30 seconds to finish cooking it.
    Pan-seared salmon fillets sizzling in lemon herb butter sauce, cooked in a black cast-iron skillet.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 154mg | Sodium: 1420mg | Potassium: 915mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 775IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lolajay_yum

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Smiling woman holding a large sandwich with layers of meat and lettuce.

Hi, I'm Lola


I was born in Paris to a family of women who cooked everything from scratch, spent summers in my grandmother's kitchen in France, and later immersed myself in food culture across Egypt and the Middle East. Mediterranean cooking isn't a trend for me, it's heritage. As a mom and stepmom to four kids, I bring you recipes that are authentic and practical for real life.

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