Crispy Lemon-Dill Crusted Salmon with Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a golden lemon-dill crust, served alongside tender asparagus spears in a bright, herbaceous pan sauce. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto, high protein) ready in about 27 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Olive oil, Lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) Salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2, zested and juiced Lemon
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped Fresh dill
- 12 oz, trimmed Asparagus
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Press 1/4 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon juice evenly onto each fillet to form a crust.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add salmon skin-side down, pressing gently for 1 minute to ensure even contact, then cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and easily releases from pan.
- Step 3: Flip salmon, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 8-10 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: While salmon roasts, toss 12 oz trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast alongside salmon for 10 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Remove salmon and asparagus from oven. Add 1 tbsp butter and remaining lemon juice to the skillet with garlic, swirling to melt and create a glossy sauce. Pour sauce over salmon and asparagus just before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Lemon-Dill Crusted Salmon with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Lemon-Dill Crusted Salmon with Asparagus?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Lemon-Dill Crusted Salmon with Asparagus?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Lemon-Dill Crusted Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crispy Lemon-Dill Crusted Salmon with Asparagus keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
