Lemon-Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A perfectly seared salmon fillet with a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce, served atop tender roasted asparagus for a nutrient-dense keto dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (keto) ready in about 29 minutes pairs Salmon fillets, Asparagus, Unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 342 calories and feeds 1, 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.

★ 4.0 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 14 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 342 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 8 oz trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/8 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 oz salmon fillets skin-side down on the asparagus. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  3. Step 3: Bake for 12-14 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp with browned tips.
  4. Step 4: While salmon bakes, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped dill. Simmer for 30 seconds until slightly thickened, then pour over cooked salmon and asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Baked 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Baked 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Lemon-Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Asparagus keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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