This keto garlic butter salmon with asparagus is pure dinner perfection — rich, buttery, and ready in no time. Tender salmon fillets are seared until golden and flaky, then coated in a garlicky butter sauce that melts into every bite. The fresh asparagus adds color, crunch, and balance, making this dish feel both fancy and effortless — the kind of meal that tastes like a restaurant favorite but comes together in just minutes.
About This Recipe
There’s something timeless about salmon for dinner — it feels both elegant and effortless. This Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus is exactly that: a quick, one-pan recipe that’s loaded with flavor, healthy fats, and all the freshness you want in a weeknight dinner.
The salmon fillets are pan-seared until golden and crisp on the outside, while staying tender and juicy inside. A generous garlic butter sauce infuses richness and depth, while asparagus spears cook right in the same pan, soaking up all those delicious juices. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything, making it fresh, savory, and balanced.
From a keto perspective, this dish is a powerhouse. Salmon is naturally high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while butter provides satisfying fats. Asparagus keeps the carb count low while adding fiber, crunch, and vibrant green color. The whole recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it just as practical as it is delicious.
Inspired by classic European garlic butter dishes, this recipe simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. It’s a reminder that keto meals don’t need to be complicated — they can be wholesome, nutrient-dense, and gourmet-level tasty with just a few quality ingredients.
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
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g / 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)
Instructions
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add asparagus to the pan and toss in the garlic butter for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return salmon to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and spoon garlic butter over the fillets.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 34g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQ
- Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
Yes — bake salmon and asparagus together at 200°C (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 52–55°C (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.
Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150 g / 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))
Instructions
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add asparagus to the pan and toss in the garlic butter for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return salmon to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and spoon garlic butter over the fillets.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
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:
Craving more? New keto recipes drop every week
– quick, low-carb, and ridiculously tasty.
