This Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus is a vibrant, one-pan dinner that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your weeknight routine. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared until golden and flaky, then finished in a rich garlic butter sauce that pairs perfectly with the crisp-tender asparagus. It’s an elegant, high-protein meal that feels indulgent while staying strictly low-carb and ready in under 25 minutes.

About This Recipe

There’s something timeless about salmon for dinner—it feels both sophisticated and effortless at the same time. This recipe is all about that classic combination of rich fats and bright citrus, creating a meal that is loaded with flavor and healthy omega-3s. By cooking the asparagus in the same pan as the salmon, the vegetables soak up the savory garlic butter, making the entire dish cohesive and deeply satisfying.

The focus here is on simplicity and quality ingredients. It’s a practical, nutrient-dense meal that provides plenty of protein and healthy fats without the need for heavy side dishes or high-carb starches. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice ties everything together, cutting through the richness of the butter and highlighting the natural flavor of the salmon.

Technique & Tips To achieve a perfect sear, pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning to ensure the skin gets crisp. Using a combination of olive oil for the initial sear and butter for the finishing sauce allows you to cook at a higher temperature without the butter burning. When adding the asparagus, keep the heat at medium-high to ensure they become tender-crisp rather than mushy, and always return the salmon to the pan at the very end to baste it in the garlic butter before serving.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan dinner — minimal cleanup
• Ready in under 25 minutes
• Rich garlic butter sauce that pairs perfectly with salmon
• Low-carb, high-protein, and full of healthy fats
• Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights

---

What You’ll Need for This Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

• 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
5. Add asparagus to the pan and toss in the garlic butter for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. Return salmon to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and spoon garlic butter over the fillets.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

---

FAQ

• Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
  Yes — bake salmon and asparagus together at 400°F for 12–15 minutes with garlic butter drizzled on top.
• Can I use frozen salmon?
  Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
• What other veggies work instead of asparagus?
  Broccoli, zucchini, or green beans are great low-carb swaps.
• How do I know when salmon is done?
  It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium.

---

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap salmon for trout or cod.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Stir in a splash of white wine for a deeper sauce.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with cauliflower mash for a hearty dinner.
• Serve alongside a fresh keto side salad.
• Enjoy with roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach.

---

---

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!

Try these next:

• Lemon Butter Cod with Crispy Capers
• Spicy Cajun Salmon with Creamy Spinach

New keto recipes are added every week — check back often for more low-carb inspiration!