Skillet Lemon Butter Salmon

Succulent salmon fillets and tender asparagus are seared in a zesty lemon-butter sauce for a bright, cozy dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights and bursting with fresh citrus flavor.

I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how fresh and flavorful it was with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: 4 fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Asparagus: 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed
• Lemon: 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• Garlic cloves: 2 cloves, minced
• Unsalted butter: 3 tbsp
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Sea salt: 1/2 tsp plus more to taste
• Black pepper: 1/4 tsp freshly ground
• Red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
• Lemon slices: for serving
• Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3:

Add asparagus and sauté for 3 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 4:

Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 3 4 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy and the bottom is golden.

Step 5:

Flip the salmon and add remaining butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2 3 minutes, spooning the melted lemon-butter over the top as it cooks.

Step 6:

Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1 2 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and the sauce is glossy.

Step 7:

Return asparagus to the skillet, nestling around the salmon. Warm through for 1 minute.

Step 8:

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe became a staple family dinner that we all look forward to on hectic weekdays.

Notes

Pairs well with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Allergen Information

Contains fish and dairy (butter). For dairy-free option substitute butter with plant-based alternative. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 380 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 35 g per serving.

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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This is a bright, elegant dish that comes together quickly and impresses every time.

Questions & Answers

→ How do I ensure the salmon cooks evenly?

Pat the salmon dry before seasoning and cook skin-side down first to get a crispy finish, turning only once to maintain even cooking.

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?

Yes, green beans or broccolini work well as alternatives and can be sautéed similarly for a tender bite.

→ What is the best way to make the lemon-butter sauce flavorful?

Using fresh lemon zest and juice combined with garlic and melted butter creates a bright, rich sauce that complements the fish perfectly.

→ How long should I cook the salmon in the skillet?

Cook the salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, this meal contains no gluten ingredients and is naturally gluten-free.