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30-Minute Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

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This garlic butter salmon with asparagus is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that looks impressive enough for guests. The salmon gets a golden crust in a hot skillet, while the asparagus cooks in the same pan, absorbing all the rich garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170g each)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound / 450g), woody ends snapped off
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Take the salmon fillets out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus. Mince the garlic, zest and juice the lemon, and chop the parsley. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes). Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if they have skin, or presentation-side down if skinless. Cook without moving them for 4 minutes.
  3. Using a fish spatula, gently flip each fillet. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. As it melts, add the minced garlic and lemon zest. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the salmon with the melting garlic butter for about 2 minutes.
  4. Push the salmon to one side of the pan and add the asparagus spears to the other side. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until bright green and slightly tender but still with a little bite. If the pan looks dry, add another tablespoon of butter or a splash of lemon juice.
  5. Squeeze the lemon juice over everything in the pan. Sprinkle the red pepper flakes if using. Give the asparagus one final toss to coat it in the sauce. Remove the pan from the heat.
  6. Transfer the salmon and asparagus to a serving platter. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Add garlic after flipping to prevent burning. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness (125°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium). Prep all ingredients in advance for a quick cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, salmon with asparagus, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, easy salmon recipe, garlic butter sauce, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/30-minute-garlic-butter-salmon-with-asparagus/