Skillet Lemon-Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable Version)

Seared salmon and asparagus infused with citrus butter sauce for a quick, flavorful 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 - ½ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
08 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon slices, for serving
11 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Directions:

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 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus and cover to keep warm.
03 - Add remaining olive oil to skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook 3–4 minutes without moving until skin is crispy and bottom is golden.
04 - Turn salmon over, add remaining butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, spooning melted lemon-butter over salmon as it cooks.
05 - Pour in lemon juice and simmer 1–2 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and sauce is glossy.
06 - Return asparagus to skillet, nestle around salmon, and warm for 1 minute.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Bright citrus flavor
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 overcrowd the pan to ensure crispy salmon skin
  • Use fresh lemon zest for best flavor
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