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 dish quickly became a family favorite because it combines fresh ingredients with minimal prep time, making dinner stress-free yet delicious.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets: 4 fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- Fresh asparagus: 1 lb (450 g), 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
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- 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 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.
- 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 salmon and add flavors:
- 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.
Pin It Cooking this recipe always brings my family together around the table enjoying the fresh vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
Notes
Pairs well with rice quinoa or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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 skillet lemon-butter salmon always impresses guests and makes weeknight dinners feel special with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of salmon works best?
Both skin-on and skinless salmon fillets can be used; skin-on tends to crisp up nicely in the skillet.
- → Can I substitute asparagus with other vegetables?
Yes, green beans or broccolini make excellent alternatives and complement the lemon-butter sauce well.
- → How do I achieve a crispy salmon skin?
Cook skin-side down without moving the fillet for several minutes to allow the fat to render and skin to crisp.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative while keeping the olive oil for sautéing.
- → What sides pair well with salmon and asparagus?
Rice, quinoa, or crusty bread complement the bright citrus and buttery flavors perfectly.