Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Asparagus

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

A rich, keto-friendly salmon dish pan-seared to golden perfection and served with tender asparagus tossed in garlic butter. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus spears, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 480 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. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy and golden. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through; remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and bubbling.
  4. Step 4: Add 12 trimmed asparagus spears to the skillet and toss in the garlic butter. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the asparagus and toss once more. Serve the salmon alongside the garlic butter asparagus, spooning any extra butter from the pan over the fish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Asparagus keto?

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

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