Save Succulent salmon fillets and tender asparagus are seared in a zesty lemon-butter sauce for a bright, cozy dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights and bursting with fresh citrus flavor.
This dish has become a family favorite for its simplicity and fresh taste. I especially enjoy how the lemon-butter sauce elevates the salmon effortlessly.
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Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 fillets about 6 oz each skin-on or skinless
- Fresh asparagus: 1 lb 450 g trimmed
- Lemon: 1 lemon zested and juiced
- Garlic cloves: 2 minced
- Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Sea salt: 1/2 tsp plus more to taste
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp optional
- Lemon slices: for serving
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped
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Instructions
- Season Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cook Asparagus:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and saute for 3 4 minutes turning occasionally until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sear Salmon:
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on and cook for 3 4 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and the bottom is golden.
- Flip and Add Flavor:
- Flip the salmon and add remaining butter minced garlic lemon zest and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 3 minutes spooning the melted lemon-butter over the top as it cooks.
- Add Lemon Juice:
- Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1 2 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
- Return Asparagus:
- Return asparagus to the skillet nestling around the salmon. Warm through for 1 minute.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Save This recipe brings such joy to our family dinners especially when shared on busy weeknights. The fresh parsley garnish adds a lovely final touch my kids love.
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Required Tools
Large skillet Tongs or spatula Zester or grater Measuring spoons Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains fish and dairy butter For dairy-free option substitute butter with plant-based alternative Always check labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 380 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 35 g per serving
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This skillet salmon recipe is a perfect blend of bright citrus and savory butter flavor that never fails to impress.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the salmon skin gets crispy?
Heat the skillet to medium and place the salmon skin-side down without moving it for 3–4 minutes. This allows the skin to become golden and crisp.
- → Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Yes, green beans or broccolini are great alternatives and can be sautéed similarly until tender.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to keep the lemon-butter sauce creamy but dairy-free.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Rice, quinoa, or crusty bread complement the flavors and help soak up the lemon-butter sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients used are gluten-free, making it appropriate for gluten-free eating.
