Skillet Lemon-Butter Salmon Asparagus (Print Version)

Seared salmon and fresh asparagus glazed in a tangy lemon-butter sauce, ready in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

→ Citrus & Aromatics

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

→ Sauce & Seasonings

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

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon slices, for serving
11 - 2 tablespoons 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, turning occasionally, until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus to a plate and cover to keep warm.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on and cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes, until skin is crispy and the bottom is golden brown.
04 - Flip salmon and add remaining butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the melted lemon-butter sauce over the salmon as it cooks.
05 - Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
06 - Return asparagus to the skillet, nestling it around the salmon. Warm through for 1 minute.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Bright lemon and butter flavor
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
02 -
  • You can substitute green beans or broccolini for asparagus
  • Adding a splash of white wine to the lemon juice enhances flavor
03 -
  • Pat salmon dry before cooking to get a crispy skin
  • Spoon lemon butter sauce over salmon while cooking for maximum flavor
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