Salmon with Asparagus is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers fresh, clean flavors in every bite. Perfectly seared salmon pairs beautifully with tender asparagus, all coated in a light lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but refined enough to impress, making it one of those go-to recipes you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients for Salmon with Asparagus
This recipe (1X) yields 4 servings
- Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Season the salmon
Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the asparagus
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Sear the salmon
In the same pan, add remaining oil and butter. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the lemon garlic sauce
Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up the flavor from the pan.
5. Combine everything
Return salmon and asparagus to the pan. Spoon sauce over and cook for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Finish and serve
Add butter, parsley, and optional chili flakes. Serve immediately with extra lemon slices.
Salmon with Asparagus’s FAQ
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes with the sauce.
Do not overcook it. Remove as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
Rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even pasta work perfectly with the sauce.