Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter and Asparagus

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

Silky salmon fillets with a bright lemon-dill butter sauce, served alongside tender asparagus spears.. This american-inspired keto (high-protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, asparagus, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 American cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat salmon dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides. Trim asparagus ends and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place asparagus on a baking sheet and roast for 12 minutes until tender-crisp. While asparagus cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Sear salmon skin-side down for 5 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes until medium. Remove salmon and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped dill and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Pour lemon-dill butter over the salmon and serve immediately with roasted asparagus.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill Butter and 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 salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill Butter and Asparagus high-protein?

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

What others are saying

Related recipes