Skillet Lemon Butter Salmon (Printable Version)

Tender salmon and asparagus cooked in lemon butter for a bright, flavorful dinner in 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 salmon fillets, approximately 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed

→ Citrus & Aromatics

03 - 1 lemon, zested and juiced
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon slices, for serving
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until just tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove asparagus to a plate and cover to keep warm.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and the bottom is golden brown.
04 - Flip salmon fillets and add remaining 2 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes while spooning the melted lemon-butter sauce over the top.
05 - Pour lemon juice into the skillet and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and sauce is glossy.
06 - Return asparagus to the skillet, nestling around the salmon, and warm through for 1 minute.
07 - Plate immediately and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Bright citrus flavor
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
02 -
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the pan with the lemon juice.
  • Substitute green beans or broccolini for asparagus if desired.
03 -
  • Dry the salmon properly to achieve crispy skin.
  • Spoon the lemon-butter sauce continuously over the salmon for extra flavor.
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