Lemon Garlic
Salmon
Pan-seared to golden perfection, this lemon garlic salmon is rich in omega-3s and bursting with zesty, aromatic flavors. Served alongside tender asparagus and roasted cherry tomatoes, it's a wholesome, elegant meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Author
Chef Marco
Difficulty
Easy
Prep Time
10m
Total Time
25m
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Nutrition Facts
485
Calories
39g
Protein
8g
Carbs
32g
Fat
* Rich in Omega-3, vitamin D & B12
Preparation
Season & Prep Salmon
Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons olive oil to create a fragrant paste.
Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip gently and cook another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness. Remove salmon and set aside.
Sauté Asparagus & Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add trimmed asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until asparagus is bright green and tomatoes begin to blister. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Push veggies to one side.
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to low, add the garlic-lemon paste to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in fresh lemon juice and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over fillets, and warm for 1 minute. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Chef's Secret
For the crispiest salmon skin, press gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds of searing. Use room-temperature fillets and avoid moving them until they naturally release from the pan — this ensures a beautiful golden crust every time.
Pair with a light citrus salad or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb feast.