Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Salmon fillets in garlic butter, served with asparagus. Quick, fresh, easy main for spring dinners.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, until crisp-tender. Remove asparagus and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Arrange salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp. 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 pan. Sauté for 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to bloom and the butter to melt. Spoon the garlic butter over the salmon. Add lemon slices and cooked asparagus to the skillet, gently tossing to coat all ingredients in the fragrant butter.
05 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle parsley over the salmon and asparagus. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That garlicky butter coats the salmon and asparagus so well, you’ll want to mop up every drop with bread if you’re able.
  • It’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free, but never feels like you’re missing out on anything rich or satisfying.
02 -
  • Trying to hurry the salmon means it sticks and shreds—give it time to release naturally from the skillet.
  • I only realized how much lemon slices brighten the butter sauce after serving them raw once; definitely cook them in for best flavor.
03 -
  • Let the pan heat fully before adding any ingredients for an even sear.
  • Spoon the garlic butter repeatedly over the salmon as it cooks for deepest flavor.
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