Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce and Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to crispy perfection, topped with a bright garlic lemon butter sauce, served alongside sautéed asparagus. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 ounces each), skin on salmon fillets, teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4-5 minutes until edges are crispy and skin releases easily.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through but still moist; transfer to a warm plate.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; cook for 30 seconds until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Remove sauce from heat and pour over salmon fillets.
  7. Step 7: Meanwhile, heat another skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil (from pantry). Add 1 pound trimmed asparagus and sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender-crisp, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  8. Step 8: Serve salmon alongside asparagus, spooning extra lemon butter sauce over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce and Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce and Asparagus?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce 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 Lemon Butter Sauce and 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 Lemon Butter Sauce and Asparagus low carb?

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

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