Quick & Easy Pan-Seared Keto Salmon & Asparagus (Fresh, Flavorful & One-Pan!)
Enjoy a deliciously light and healthy meal in minutes with this Quick & Easy Pan-Seared Keto Salmon & Asparagus!Flaky salmon fillets and tender-crisp asparagus are perfectly cooked in a single pan, then brightened with aromatic garlic, fresh lemon zest, and a squeeze of zesty lemon juice. This high-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for any weeknight!
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, cut into 2-3 individual portions
- 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of ½ lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Salt to taste (e.g., ½-1 teaspoon)
- Cracked black pepper to taste (e.g., ¼-½ teaspoon)
Equipment:
- Large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
- Tongs or fish spatula
- Zester
- Small bowl (for mixing butter, oil, and garlic/zest if preferred)
Instructions:
- Prep & Season: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels (this helps with browning). Trim the tough, woody ends off the asparagus spears.
- Season both sides of the salmon fillets and the asparagus spears generously with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Zest half a lemon and mince your garlic.
- Heat Pan: Heat the salted butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Wait until the pan is hot and the butter has fully melted and is slightly shimmering (but not smoking).
- Cook Salmon & Asparagus (First Side): Carefully add the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and asparagus spears to the hot pan in a single layer.
- Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on one side, undisturbed, until the salmon begins to turn opaque around the edges and the asparagus begins to tenderize and lightly char.
- Flip & Continue Cooking: Gently flip the salmon fillets and asparagus spears.
- Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side, until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 145°F / 63°C), and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Add Aromatics & Finish: Just in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic and lemon zest to the pan, scattering them around the salmon and asparagus.
- Cook the garlic for just 1-2 minutes, stirring it around, until it becomes fragrant and begins to very lightly brown (be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic is bitter).
- Deglaze & Serve: Turn off the heat. Immediately squeeze the juice of half a lemon directly into the pan over the salmon and asparagus. This will create a light, bright sauce.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy this simple and flavorful meal!
Tips for Success:
- Dry Salmon: Patting the salmon dry is crucial for getting a nice, crispy skin and good searing.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to hold the salmon and asparagus in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding will steam, not sear.
- Medium-High Heat: Ensure the pan is hot enough to get a good sear on the salmon and char on the asparagus without burning.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for flaky, juicy results. Asparagus should be tender-crisp.
- Fresh Lemon & Garlic: Using fresh lemon zest and minced garlic makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: This meal is perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Salmon & Asparagus Recipe is a delicious addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the salmon.
- High Healthy Fats: Yes, from the salmon (omega-3s), olive oil, and butter.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All listed ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Keto Trail Mix.
