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Crispy Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe Easy Asparagus Lemon Butter Dinner

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A quick and easy crispy pan-seared salmon with tender asparagus and a bright lemon butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or guests.

Ingredients

  • Salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (for high smoke point and crispiness)
  • Fresh asparagus spears (1 bunch, about 12 oz / 340 g), trimmed
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Unsalted butter (4 tbsp / 60 g), room temperature
  • Fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • Lemon zest (from 1 lemon, optional)
  • Minced garlic (1 clove)
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (1 tbsp) for garnish
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Snap or cut off the woody ends of the asparagus. Toss lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add asparagus in a single layer and sauté, turning occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. Remove and keep warm.
  5. Add another tablespoon of oil to the same skillet, increase heat to medium-high. Place salmon fillets skin-side down carefully. Press down gently with a spatula for 10-15 seconds to prevent curling. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking.
  7. Turn off the heat and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
  8. Plate the salmon alongside the asparagus, pour any extra lemon butter from the pan on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon dry to ensure crispy skin. Use oils with high smoke points like avocado or olive oil. Press salmon gently when placing skin-side down to prevent curling. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Add lemon butter sauce off the heat to keep it silky and prevent burning. Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, pan-seared salmon, crispy salmon, asparagus, lemon butter sauce, easy dinner, healthy dinner, quick recipe

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-pan-seared-salmon-recipe-easy-asparagus-lemon-butter-dinner/