Skillet Lemon-Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Savor seared salmon and asparagus with zesty lemon and butter for a quick, flavorful dinner under 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed

→ Citrus & Aromatics

03 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon slices, for serving
11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus to a plate and cover to keep warm.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and bottom is golden brown.
04 - Flip salmon and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, continuously spooning melted lemon-butter sauce over the fillets.
05 - Pour lemon juice into the skillet and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, until salmon is just cooked through and sauce is glossy.
06 - Return asparagus to the skillet, nestling around the salmon, and warm through for 1 minute. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Bright fresh citrus flavor
02 -
  • For extra flavor add a splash of white wine to the pan with the lemon juice
  • Substitute green beans or broccolini for asparagus if desired
03 -
  • Make sure not to move the salmon while cooking skin-side down for crispy skin
  • Spoon the lemon-butter sauce over the salmon to keep it moist and flavorful
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