Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Roasted Asparagus

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

A rich, keto-friendly salmon dish pan-seared to perfection, topped with garlic butter, and served alongside tender roasted asparagus. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs salmon fillets, unsalted butter, garlic cloves 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 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 lb of trimmed asparagus spears with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet, spreading them evenly. Roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly crisp at the tips.
  2. Step 2: While asparagus roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides. Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and browned.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until opaque and flakes easily. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 3 tbsp butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the butter is melted and bubbling.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then pour the garlic butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
  6. Step 6: Serve the salmon alongside the roasted asparagus, spooning any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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 Garlic Butter and Roasted 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 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 Garlic 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.

Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Roasted 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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