Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

Let’s talk about a recipe that’s equal parts elegant and effortless: Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus. This is one of those meals that looks and tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant—but you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, with just one pan and a few ingredients. Juicy, flaky salmon fillets are seared to perfection, then bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce and paired with tender-crisp asparagus. It’s light, full of flavor, and totally satisfying.

This is a go-to for me on weeknights when I want something nourishing but don’t feel like cooking for hours. It’s fast, flavorful, and always feels like a treat—even though it takes less time than deciding what to watch on Netflix. It’s also a great choice for date night at home or dinner guests, because it feels fancy but is super low-effort.

If you’re looking for a clean, healthy(ish) dinner that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes, you’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy – Ready in about 25 minutes, start to finish.
• One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps.
• Packed with flavor – Garlic butter makes everything better.
• Healthy & balanced – High-protein, low-carb, and full of veggies.
• Great for meal prep – Tastes great reheated and stores well.
• Fancy but simple – Elegant enough for company, easy enough for Tuesday night.
• Naturally gluten-free – And can be made dairy-free with a quick swap.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off—your choice)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  (Look for medium-thick stalks so they don’t overcook)
• 3 tablespoons butter (or ghee, or plant-based butter for dairy-free)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  (Don’t be shy—this is garlic butter, after all)
• Juice of 1 lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Optional: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, grated parmesan

(Note: A complete list of ingredients with exact measurements is included in the instructions section below.)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prep your ingredients
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus. Mince your garlic and cut the lemon in half so it’s ready to squeeze.

Step 2: Sear the salmon
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down (if they have skin). Let them sear undisturbed for 4–5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the asparagus
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil or butter if needed. Toss in the asparagus with a pinch of salt and sauté for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender but still crisp. You want them to keep a little bite.

Step 4: Make the garlic butter
Push the asparagus to the side of the pan and add the butter and garlic to the center. Let the garlic cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine everything in the pan.

Step 5: Return the salmon to the skillet
Nestle the salmon fillets back into the pan and spoon some of that buttery garlic-lemon sauce over the top. Let everything warm through for another minute or two.

Step 6: Serve and garnish
Transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. Spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of parmesan if you’d like. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Helpful Tips

Don’t overcook the salmon
Salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque in the center. Depending on thickness, 7–9 minutes total cook time is usually plenty.

Use good-quality salmon
This dish is all about simple, fresh ingredients, so if you can, go for wild-caught salmon or sustainably farmed options. The flavor and texture really shine.

Make it dairy-free
Use a vegan butter substitute or olive oil for the garlic butter—still delicious and just as flavorful.

Switch up the veggies
No asparagus? Try green beans, broccoli, or zucchini instead. Just adjust the cook time based on what you’re using.

Add starch if you want
To make this more filling, serve with rice, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even over pasta to soak up that garlic butter sauce.

Make it spicy
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick, or finish with a drizzle of chili crisp oil for something bolder.

How to Store Leftovers

Let everything cool to room temperature before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent the salmon from drying out.

For best results, don’t reheat the salmon too long—just enough to warm through. The asparagus can go softer if reheated too much, but the flavors will still be great.

Meal Prep Tips

This is a great meal to make ahead for a few days of lunches. Cook the salmon and asparagus, then store in individual containers with a lemon wedge and a side of rice or couscous. The garlic butter flavor gets even better as it sits.

If you’re planning to meal prep, slightly undercook the salmon and asparagus so they don’t get overdone when reheated.

You can also make the garlic butter separately and drizzle it on when ready to eat—just store it in a small container and warm it up before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes! Arrange the salmon and asparagus on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. Then pour the garlic butter over everything at the end for a similar flavor.

What if I don’t like asparagus?
No problem—swap in another green veggie like green beans, broccolini, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this with frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before searing to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this low-carb/keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and healthy fats. Just avoid serving with starchy sides if you’re keeping things keto.

What wine pairs well with this?
A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with garlic butter salmon. Even a chilled rosé works great.

Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is one of those golden recipes I come back to again and again. It’s reliable, quick, and just tastes amazing every single time. The lemony garlic butter sauce gives it that rich flavor you want from comfort food, but it still feels light and fresh thanks to the asparagus.

I usually make this once a week—sometimes switching up the vegetables or seasoning the salmon with a little smoked paprika or Cajun spice for variety. It never disappoints.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy dinner-for-two, this dish is a winner in my kitchen—and I hope it becomes one in yours too.