Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus
Salmon fillets seared until golden and topped with a rich garlic herb butter served alongside tender roasted asparagus spears. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 pound, trimmed asparagus spears
- 4 for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1 pound trimmed asparagus spears with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through but still moist.
- Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
- Step 6: Plate the salmon fillets and drizzle generously with the garlic herb butter. Serve alongside roasted asparagus and lemon wedges for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus 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 Garlic 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 kosher salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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 Garlic 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 Garlic Herb Butter and Roasted Asparagus?
American 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.
