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Light & Flavorful Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus: Easy 30-Minute Meal

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This quick and easy garlic butter salmon with asparagus is a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Flaky salmon with crispy edges, tender asparagus, and a glossy garlic butter sauce make it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound, woody ends trimmed)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first. Take the salmon out of the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking so it comes to room temperature slightly. Pat the fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Mince your garlic and zest your lemon.
  2. Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) or presentation-side down. Let them cook without moving for 4 minutes.
  3. Flip the salmon gently using a fish spatula. Cook for another 3 minutes on the second side. The salmon should be golden brown on the outside and just cooked through. Transfer the salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  4. In the same skillet, add the asparagus spears in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Remove them from the skillet and arrange on your serving platter.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice (about 2 tablespoons), and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together and let it bubble gently for about 30 seconds.
  6. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let everything warm through together for about 1 minute. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with the asparagus alongside.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a golden crust. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic carefully as it burns quickly. Use room temperature salmon for even cooking. The salmon is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, salmon with asparagus, 30-minute meal, healthy salmon recipe, easy weeknight dinner, low-carb salmon, keto salmon

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/light-and-flavorful-garlic-butter-salmon-with-asparagus-easy-30-minute-meal/