Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

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

Tender salmon fillets seared in garlic butter and served with crisp-tender asparagus for a simple, elegant keto dinner. This american-inspired keto ready in about 30 minutes pairs (6 oz) salmon fillets, butter, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foaming.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in skillet and cook 4-5 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces) and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
  7. Step 7: Return salmon to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped dill, and cook 1 minute to heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with 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 (6 oz) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus?

American keto 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.

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