Skillet Lemon-Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Salmon fillets and asparagus seared in a zesty lemon-butter sauce for a bright dinner.

# 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bright citrus flavor
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
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 -
  • Do not move salmon fillets while cooking to ensure crispy skin
  • Spoon lemon-butter sauce continuously over salmon for extra flavor
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