Skillet Lemon-Butter Salmon (Print version)

Salmon and asparagus cooked in zesty lemon-butter sauce for a flavorful, quick dinner option.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 pound 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 additional 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

# Directions:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and 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 olive oil to the skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down if applicable and cook without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until skin is crispy and bottom is golden brown.
04 - Turn salmon over and add remaining butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, spooning melted lemon-butter sauce over the fillets as they cook.
05 - Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until salmon is just cooked through and sauce becomes glossy.
06 - Return asparagus to the skillet, nestling around the salmon, and warm through for 1 minute. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes
  • Bright citrus flavor
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 -
  • Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest flavor
  • Do not move the salmon while cooking skin side down to get crispy skin
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