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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

one-pan garlic butter salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring crispy skin salmon fillets and tender asparagus cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a cozy, fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces each
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 12 ounces), woody ends trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and pat dry. Snap off the woody ends by bending each stalk near the bottom until it naturally breaks (about 1-2 inches from the end). Set aside.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over both sides of each fillet.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet. Press down gently with a spatula to prevent curling. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crisp and the salmon is cooked about two-thirds through.
  5. Turn the fillets over gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside on a warm plate.
  6. In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Stir frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add the asparagus, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat in the garlic butter.
  8. Cook the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly browned. Add a splash of water or more butter if the pan gets dry.
  9. Return the salmon to the skillet nestling it among the asparagus. Pour over fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley on top.
  10. Serve immediately, spooning extra garlic butter from the pan over the salmon and asparagus.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Stir garlic constantly to prevent burning. Let salmon rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy. For more char on skin, increase heat slightly during searing but watch garlic carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter, asparagus, one-pan meal, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-salmon-with-asparagus-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/