Pan-Roasted Salmon with Herb Butter and Asparagus

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

Salmon fillets pan-roasted to golden perfection topped with a melting herb butter, served alongside tender asparagus spears. This international-inspired seafood (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 22 minutes pairs salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 International cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges turn golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the skillet. Spoon the melted herb butter over the fillets as they cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: While cooking salmon, steam or sauté 1 lb trimmed asparagus spears in a separate pan with a splash of water or olive oil for 5-6 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Serve salmon topped with the herb butter alongside the asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Herb Butter and Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Herb Butter and 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Herb Butter and 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Herb Butter and 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Herb Butter and Asparagus gluten free?

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

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