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Crispy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe with Asparagus

crispy lemon garlic butter salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring crispy skin salmon fillets cooked in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce, served with sautéed asparagus. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for asparagus)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for finishing asparagus

Instructions

  1. Rinse and trim the tough ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches). Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (2 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well. (3 minutes)
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high in a skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down, pressing gently with a spatula for even contact. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp and sides start to turn opaque. Avoid moving the fish around. (6 minutes)
  5. Carefully flip the salmon fillets and spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, spooning more sauce as it melts. Salmon should feel firm but slightly springy. (3 minutes)
  6. While salmon cooks, heat a separate pan over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes, tossing occasionally until bright green and just tender. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. (5 minutes)
  7. Plate the salmon with the crispy skin up, drizzle remaining garlic butter sauce over, and arrange asparagus alongside. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired. (2 minutes)

Notes

Pat salmon dry before cooking for crispy skin. Use a cold pan and hot oil to start searing. Avoid crowding the pan and flipping too early. Add garlic butter sauce near the end to avoid burning garlic. Optionally finish salmon in a 375°F oven for 2-3 minutes for more doneness. Swap butter for plant-based alternative for dairy-free version. Use green beans or broccolini if asparagus is unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter, asparagus, crispy salmon, healthy dinner, quick recipe, easy salmon, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/crispy-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-recipe-with-asparagus-easy-and-perfect/