Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus

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

Juicy pan-seared salmon topped with a zesty citrus herb butter, accompanied by tender roasted asparagus spears. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on 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 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 lb trimmed asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from heat, top each fillet with a generous dollop of citrus herb butter, and serve immediately alongside roasted asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Roasted 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-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes