Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Salmon with Zesty Asparagus
Succulent salmon fillet seared until golden and crisp-edged, bathed in a rich garlic-infused butter sauce and served alongside tender, snap-fresh asparagus spears finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. It's a satisfying, high-protein meal that celebrates simple, bold flavors without the carbs.
Gluten-FreeHigh-ProteinKeto-FriendlyNo Carbs
Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- •2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- •1 bunch fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- •3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- •1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon lemon zest
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- •1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear; season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 3Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down and press gently with a spatula for 10 seconds; sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- 4Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until your desired level of doneness is reached, then remove salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- 5In the same skillet, add the trimmed asparagus spears and a pinch of salt; sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly charred.
- 6Push the asparagus to one side of the pan and add the butter and minced garlic to the empty side.
- 7Sauté the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, then stir in the lemon juice and zest to create the sauce.
- 8Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the hot garlic butter sauce over both the fish and the asparagus.
- 9Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
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