Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Juicy salmon fillets and tender asparagus are sautéed in aromatic garlic butter for a flavorful, fresh meal.

# What You 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 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

06 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add asparagus and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender yet still crisp. Remove asparagus and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to skillet. Place salmon fillets skin-side down, if applicable. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip fillets and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or just until cooked through.
04 - Add minced garlic, thyme, and remaining butter to skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds, allowing aromatics to release fragrance. Spoon melted butter over salmon fillets.
05 - Add lemon slices and reserved asparagus to skillet. Gently toss to coat vegetables in garlic butter. Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Cooking the garlic butter in the same pan creates incredible flavor without much extra work.
  • Ready in under half an hour, perfect for when you want something special but not fussy.
02 -
  • If you rush the garlic, it can easily burn and turn bitter; patience gives a mellow sweetness.
  • Letting the salmon rest for a minute before serving helps the juices settle and keeps it moist.
03 -
  • Let the butter melt slowly with garlic for the most flavorful base.
  • Sprinkling flaky salt just before serving adds a gourmet touch without fuss.
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