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Crispy Lemon Garlic Salmon

crispy lemon garlic salmon - featured image
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A quick and healthy 15-minute dinner featuring skin-on salmon seared to perfection with crispy skin, served with asparagus and a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (skin-on, approx. 6 oz each)
  • 1 lb asparagus spears
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 sliced for garnish)
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil or neutral oil (for searing)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Remove salmon from fridge and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Wash asparagus, snap off woody ends, and toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet (stainless steel or cast iron) over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp neutral oil until it shimmers and just starts to smoke.
  4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
  5. Flip fillets and cook for another 2-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove salmon to a plate and tent with foil.
  6. In the same pan, add asparagus and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove to the plate with the salmon.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Add butter to the pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  8. Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon juice and zest to create a glossy sauce.
  9. Pour sauce over salmon and asparagus. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry is crucial for crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan. Add garlic only after reducing heat to prevent burning. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, crispy salmon, lemon garlic salmon, healthy dinner, quick meals, asparagus, weeknight dinner, high protein, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/crispy-lemon-garlic-salmon-15-minute-healthy-dinner/