This lemon herb salmon is the recipe I make when I want to feel fancy without actually trying. It comes together in one pan in exactly 15 minutes and looks absolutely stunning on the plate.
The key to perfect salmon is a screaming-hot pan for a golden sear, and then knowing when to stop cooking. Salmon is done when it flakes easily but still has a slight give in the center — it will continue cooking from residual heat.
The lemon herb butter sauce ties everything together in the most luxurious way. Don't skip squeezing fresh lemon over the top at the very end.
15-Minute Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus
A one-pan 15-minute dinner with perfectly seared salmon and tender asparagus in a bright lemon herb butter. Elegant enough for company, easy enough for Tuesday.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- 1
Pat salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt and cracked black pepper.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side up and cook 3–4 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more.
- 3
Remove salmon to a plate. In the same pan, add asparagus and cook 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- 4
Push asparagus to one side. Add butter and garlic to the empty side, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 5
Add lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, and parsley. Stir everything together.
- 6
Return salmon to the pan. Spoon the herb butter sauce over the top.
- 7
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices.
Nutrition per serving
* Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
