Daily Flavor

This Lemon Pepper Salmon with Garlic Asparagus is the ideal weeknight dinner—elegant enough for guests yet simple enough for a busy evening. I’ve perfected the pan-sear technique so that each fillet boasts a crackling crust and tender, flaky interior. Meanwhile, fresh asparagus spears roast under a buttery garlic drizzle, adding bright, vegetal notes. As a seasoned food blogger, I recommend serving this dish with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to amplify its Mediterranean vibes.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin on

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb), trimmed

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• Lemon wedges and chopped parsley for garnish

Preparation Steps

1. Prep the salmon.

   • Pat fillets dry; season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon pepper.

   • Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Roast the asparagus.

   • Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C).

   • On a baking sheet, toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

   • Roast for 12–15 minutes until tender-crisp, tossing halfway. Zest lemon over top immediately after removing from oven.

3. Pan-sear the salmon.

   • While asparagus roasts, heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Place fillets skin-side down; press gently for 15 seconds to ensure even contact.

   • Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until skin is crisp. Flip and cook 2–3 minutes more until just opaque.

4. Finish with butter and lemon.

   • Reduce heat to low. Add butter to pan and spoon the melted butter over fillets for 30 seconds.

   • Remove salmon to plates.

5. Serve and garnish.

   • Arrange asparagus alongside salmon; garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.

Pro Tips

• Even cook: Let salmon reach room temperature so it cooks evenly.

• Flavor boost: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to asparagus before roasting.

• Make it a meal: Serve with quinoa pilaf or a simple arugula salad.

Packed with omega-3s, vibrant herbs, and bright citrus, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious—your new go-to for effortless healthy dinners.