Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Print)

Salmon fillets in garlic butter, served with asparagus and lemon for a vibrant, satisfying spring meal.

# Components:

→ Fish & Seafood

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces 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 the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on both sides.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Transfer asparagus to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Carefully flip fillets and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until just cooked through.
04 - Add minced garlic, thyme, and remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds to release aroma. Spoon the melted garlic butter over salmon fillets.
05 - Add lemon slices and cooked asparagus to the pan, tossing gently to coat in garlic butter. Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The garlic butter transforms salmon into restaurant-level dinner with barely any fuss.
  • Aspaghetti makes this feel fresh and light, perfect for keeping things easy during busy weeks.
02 -
  • If the butter gets too hot, it browns fast and risks burning—watch closely and adjust heat down if needed.
  • Lemon slices briefly cooked in the pan add tang without bitterness, so don't skip them even if it seems fussy.
03 -
  • Resting salmon for a few minutes before serving keeps juices inside and textures perfect.
  • Using fresh garlic and herbs always stands out—it's never worth compromising for the convenience of dried or jarred if you can help it.
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