Description
A light yet elegant dinner featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets paired with tender asparagus, all finished with a bright and zesty lemon-butter sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired meal balances rich flavors with fresh ingredients, making it an ideal low-carb, pescatarian-friendly option.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp butter
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, heating it until shimmering but not smoking.
- Season and Sear Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully place them skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: To the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice along with the lemon zest, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter and the sauce to become fragrant.
- Sauté Asparagus: Add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet with the sauce. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and coated in the lemon butter sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, nestling them among the asparagus. Spoon some of the lemon butter sauce over the top to coat the salmon before serving immediately.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce while cooking garlic.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with quinoa or roasted potatoes for a more filling meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- Trim the asparagus ends before cooking for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
