Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Asparagus
Pan-seared salmon filet finished with garlic butter sauce served alongside tender asparagus spears, ideal for a quick keto-friendly dinner. This american-inspired keto (low carb, high protein) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 bunch (about 12 spears) fresh asparagus spears
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse and pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each). Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter along with 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter and garlic over the salmon as it cooks for another 3 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Step 4: While salmon cooks, trim the woody ends from 1 bunch of fresh asparagus (about 12 spears).
- Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside; add asparagus to the same skillet and sauté in the garlic butter for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus, toss asparagus gently to coat, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Asparagus low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
