Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus

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

Flaky salmon fillets seared to golden perfection with a zesty lemon-herb crust, served with vibrant steamed asparagus for a light yet satisfying dinner. This american-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried dill, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, with a slight pink center.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, steam 1 bunch trimmed asparagus for 5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Serve salmon immediately with asparagus and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Herb Pan-Seared 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-Herb Pan-Seared 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-Herb Pan-Seared 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 Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus low-carb?

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

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