Pin It 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 recipe quickly became our family favorite for easy weeknight dinners with fresh, vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 fillets about 6 oz each skin-on or skinless
- Asparagus: 1 lb 450 g fresh trimmed
- Lemon: 1 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
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp optional
- Lemon slices: for serving
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3:
- Add asparagus and sauté 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.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- 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.
- Step 6:
- Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1 2 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
- Step 7:
- Return asparagus to the skillet nestling around the salmon. Warm through for 1 minute.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Pin It This is the meal we gather around after a busy day to enjoy fresh and healthy food together.
Notes
Pairs well with rice quinoa or crusty bread.
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.
Pin It This simple yet flavorful dish never fails to impress and brighten any dinner table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing and flavor absorption.
- → What can I substitute for asparagus?
Green beans or broccolini are excellent alternatives that cook similarly and complement the lemon-butter sauce.
- → How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque center. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness.
- → Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- → Is it necessary to use lemon zest and juice separately?
Using both adds layers of fresh citrus flavor—the zest provides aromatic oils while juice adds brightness and acidity.
- → What side dishes pair well with this skillet meal?
Light grains like quinoa or rice and crusty bread work well to complement the rich lemon-butter salmon and asparagus.