Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable View)

Tender salmon fillets paired with asparagus and a fragrant garlic butter sauce for a satisfying spring meal.

# What You'll 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 cloves garlic, 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 and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until just tender. Remove asparagus and set aside.
03 - Add the 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 golden and crisp. Flip fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until just cooked through.
04 - Add minced garlic, thyme, and remaining butter to the pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant while spooning melted butter over the salmon. Add lemon slices and cooked asparagus; toss gently to coat in the garlic butter.
05 - Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The garlic butter forms a silky sauce that transforms both fish and vegetables—my little secret to making even weeknights feel special.
  • Salmon cooks quickly and stays juicy, paired with asparagus that's always fresh and lively—it's become my reliable recipe whenever I want to impress without stress.
02 -
  • Salmon can overcook in a blink—pull it off the heat when just opaque and let it rest for a minute before serving.
  • Adding the garlic too early causes it to burn and taste bitter; always sauté it after the fish is almost done.
03 -
  • Always let the salmon come to room temperature so it cooks evenly and doesn’t seize in the pan.
  • Spoon the garlic butter over the salmon right before serving to keep it moist and luscious.
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