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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon and Asparagus in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring perfectly seared salmon and tender-crisp asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this simple yet elegant dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound), woody ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for asparagus)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Prep the asparagus: Rinse asparagus and trim woody ends. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers.
  4. Sear the salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove salmon and set aside.
  5. Cook the asparagus: In the same pan, add the seasoned asparagus. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until bright green and slightly charred. Remove and arrange on a serving platter.
  6. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon juice and stir.
  7. Bring it all together: Return salmon to the pan, spooning garlic butter sauce over the top. Warm through for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with asparagus.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best sear. Don’t crowd the pan. Add garlic at the end to prevent burning. Asparagus should be tender-crisp, not mushy. Use same pan for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, salmon and asparagus, quick salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, 20 minute dinner

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