Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Salmon fillets cook in garlicky butter, topped with asparagus for a vibrant, satisfying spring meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Seafood

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 lb 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry using paper towels and season both sides with salt and 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. Transfer asparagus to a plate and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if using skin-on. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the underside turns golden and crisp. Flip salmon fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through.
04 - Add minced garlic, thyme, and the remaining butter to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, spooning the melted butter over the salmon fillets.
05 - Add lemon slices and cooked asparagus to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the garlic butter. Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The garlic butter envelopes the salmon and asparagus so every bite tastes decadent without effort.
  • This recipe has rescued countless weeknights with its quick cook time and reliable deliciousness.
02 -
  • If you rush the garlic, it burns and turns the sauce bitter—I learned this one the hard way.
  • Letting salmon rest for a minute after cooking keeps it juicy and easier to serve.
03 -
  • Take the salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks more evenly.
  • Adding lemon slices to the pan gives the sauce more depth and an impressive look.
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