Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Asparagus

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

Perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with tender-asparagus spears, finished with a bright citrus glaze. This american-inspired seafood (low-sodium) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) salmon fillets, bunch asparagus, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and cook for 6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, snap off woody ends of 1 bunch asparagus and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Roast on a separate sheet pan at 400°F for 12 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over salmon, top with minced 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, and a drizzle of lemon zest.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-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 Lemon-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 bunch asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-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 Lemon-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 Lemon-Asparagus low-sodium?

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

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