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.
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
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.
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.