Pan-Seared Salmon with Crisp Asparagus and Smoky Butter

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

Tender salmon fillets with a smoky butter sauce, served atop perfectly roasted asparagus for a simple yet elegant keto dinner. This seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) Salmon fillets, Olive oil, Unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and arrange in a single layer. Roast for 12-15 minutes until crisp-tender, flipping halfway through.
  2. Step 2: Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with remaining 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until skin is golden. Flip and cook for 3-4 minutes more until fish is just opaque in the center.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat, transfer salmon to a plate, and add minced garlic and 3 tbsp unsalted butter to skillet. Melt butter, cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
  5. Step 5: Pour sauce over salmon and serve immediately with roasted asparagus.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Crisp Asparagus and Smoky Butter take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Crisp Asparagus and Smoky Butter?

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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Crisp Asparagus and Smoky Butter?

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 Crisp Asparagus and Smoky Butter 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 Crisp Asparagus and Smoky Butter?

Seafood seafood 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.

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