Welcome to a delightful culinary experience where minimalism meets elegance! Our Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus Skillet is a quick, low-carb dish that packs in flavor with ease. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to fancy up your dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 1 pound)
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus Skillet – Step By Step
Step 1:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim the asparagus ends and cut them into even lengths if necessary. Mince the garlic cloves finely, and zest the lemon carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. This prep work sets the stage for a swift cooking process.
Step 2:
Sauté the Salmon
Heat the large skillet over medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts and begins to bubble. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the fillets begin to turn opaque. Flip them gently, cooking for an additional 2–3 minutes. Once cooked, remove the salmon to a plate.
Step 3:
Cook the Asparagus
Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Toss in the trimmed asparagus, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and tender yet crisp. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4:
Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add the final tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Squeeze in lemon juice and zest, and swirl to combine into a glossy sauce.
Step 5:
Combine and Serve
Return the salmon to the skillet with the asparagus and garlic butter sauce. Allow them to heat through for an additional minute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a splash of color and freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus Skillet
This dish shines best when served hot, straight from the skillet. Accompany it with a slice of lemon for extra zest. A light side of mixed greens or quinoa complements the rich flavors beautifully.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Ensure your skillet is well-heated before adding the salmon to achieve a true sear. For a smoky flavor, try grilling the salmon fillets briefly. Adding a dash of white wine during the sauce-making step can elevate flavors too!
Packed with Protein: High Protein Garlic Butter Salmon
For those looking to boost their protein intake, consider doubling up on salmon portions or adding some shelled edamame. These additions complement the garlic butter perfectly while increasing satiation.
Alternatively, adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top before serving provides additional protein and a cheesy undertone without dairy.
Keto-Friendly: Low Carb Garlic Butter Salmon Delight
This recipe is naturally low in carbs, making it excellent for those on a keto diet. To enhance its keto-friendly nature, serve with a side of roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
You can substitute butter with ghee or coconut oil for an even healthier twist, while preserving that signature rich flavor.
Storage Instructions
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until thoroughly heated.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but ensure it is thoroughly thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- What other vegetables can I use? Broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans work well as substitutes or additions.
- Will this work with other fish? Absolutely, cod or trout are excellent alternatives.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free butter alternatives or coconut oil.
- How do I prevent asparagus from becoming mushy? Keep a close eye to ensure they remain firm to the bite, cooking on high heat for only 3–5 minutes.
Your Thoughts Matter: Share the Love!
This Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus Skillet offers a simple yet sophisticated meal. Perfect for any dinner table, it’s both a conversation starter and a treat for the taste buds. We’d love to hear from you—do share your experiences and any twists you’ve put on this recipe. Don’t forget to comment below and share with friends!
Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus Skillet
Equipment
- Large skillet
- – Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets about 4 fillets
- 1 lb asparagus trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Trim the asparagus ends and cut them into even lengths. Mince the garlic cloves, and zest the lemon.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts and bubbles. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet, toss in the asparagus and cook for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
- Melt the final tablespoon of butter, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Squeeze in lemon juice and zest; stir to combine into a sauce.
- Return the salmon to the skillet with asparagus and garlic butter sauce. Heat through for 1 minute before serving, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes