Steamed Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
Delicate salmon fillets steamed with fresh herbs and lemon, paired with tender asparagus for a light, energy-efficient meal. This american-inspired snacks ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, thinly sliced lemon, finely chopped fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1, thinly sliced lemon
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 12 oz, trimmed asparagus
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 salmon fillets skin-side down on a steamer rack over simmering water, ensuring water doesn't touch the rack.
- Step 2: Top each fillet with 2 lemon slices, 1 tbsp chopped dill, 1 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Arrange 12 oz trimmed asparagus around the salmon and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Cover and steam for 10-12 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 5: Carefully remove from steamer and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Lemon Herb Salmon with 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 Steamed Lemon Herb 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 each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Lemon Herb 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 Steamed Lemon Herb 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 Steamed Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus?
American snacks 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Steamed salmon is my go-to, and this recipe with lemon and herbs made it special.
- ★★★★★
A great recipe for a quick weeknight meal. The asparagus was tender and flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a healthy dinner. The salmon was cooked to perfection.
