Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Pan-seared salmon fillets and asparagus in fragrant garlic butter for a vibrant spring meal.

# Components:

→ Fish & Seafood

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
03 - 1 lemon, sliced

→ Sauces & Fats

04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry and season each with salt and black pepper on both sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until crisp-tender. Transfer asparagus to a plate and set aside.
03 - Pour in remaining olive oil and add 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Arrange salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until nearly cooked through.
04 - Add minced garlic, thyme, and remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic, spooning melted butter over the salmon.
05 - Add sliced lemon and cooked asparagus to the skillet. Gently toss to coat vegetables and fish in garlic butter.
06 - Remove pan from heat. Sprinkle salmon and asparagus with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The salmon cooks up juicy every time in the garlic butter, so nobody needs to stress over dryness.
  • The asparagus soaks up the sauce and tastes spectacular—plus it takes only minutes to make.
02 -
  • If you crowd the skillet, the salmon won&t brown properly—a mistake I&ve made more than once.
  • Adding garlic with the butter (not before) keeps the flavor sweet and avoids burning.
03 -
  • A splash of white wine in the pan, right before adding butter, turns the sauce dreamy.
  • Thoroughly drying salmon fillets is the secret to a beautifully browned crust.
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