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Easy Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus in 20 Minutes

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A quick and delicious garlic butter salmon with asparagus that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this one-pan meal features a nutty garlic butter sauce, crispy salmon, and tender-crisp asparagus.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150g/5 oz each)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 400g/14 oz), woody ends trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42g)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (5g)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2g)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first (5 minutes): Take the salmon out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon.
  2. Start the asparagus (3 minutes): Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the asparagus in a single layer. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally, until bright green and starting to char.
  3. Push the asparagus aside (1 minute): Push the asparagus to the edges of the pan, creating an empty space in the center. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the center. Let it melt and bubble until foamy and just starting to brown.
  4. Sear the salmon (4-5 minutes): Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation-side down if skinless) in the center of the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes until the edges turn opaque and a golden crust forms.
  5. Add the garlic and lemon (1 minute): Sprinkle the minced garlic and lemon zest around the salmon and asparagus. Toss the asparagus to coat in the garlic butter. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Flip the salmon (2-3 minutes): Carefully flip the salmon fillets. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked to your liking.
  7. Finish with lemon juice (30 seconds): Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over everything. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using. Give the pan a gentle shake and let bubble for 30 seconds.
  8. Serve immediately: Transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. Spoon remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges from the remaining half lemon.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a crispy crust. Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch the heat to avoid burning the garlic. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving for best texture. For even cooking, fold thin tail pieces under to match thickness of center pieces.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, salmon with asparagus, quick salmon recipe, one-pan salmon, healthy salmon dinner, weeknight dinner, low-carb salmon

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/easy-garlic-butter-salmon-with-asparagus-in-20-minutes/