Skillet Lemon-Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable Version)

Salmon and asparagus seared in a lemon-butter sauce for a bright, easy dinner ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 salmon fillets, 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

# Steps:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black 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, turning 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 skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable and cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until skin is crispy and bottom is golden.
04 - Flip salmon and add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the melted lemon-butter sauce over the fillets.
05 - Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and sauce is glossy.
06 - Return asparagus to skillet, nestling around salmon. Warm through for 1 minute.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

# Expert Insights:

01 -
  • Quick and easy dinner ready in 30 minutes
  • Bright fresh citrus flavor that enhances salmon
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 -
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a brighter flavor
  • Do not move the salmon during searing to get a crispy skin
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