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A plated high-protein salmon dinner with vegetables.

Zesty Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

This Zesty Lemon-Dill Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Asparagus recipe features flaky salmon fillets and tender-crisp asparagus, both infused with bright lemon and fresh dill notes. It's a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight or special occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 fillets
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets skin-on or off, about 1-inch thick
  • 1 tbsp olive oil plus more for asparagus
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1 lemon half sliced, half for juicing
  • 2 sprigs fresh dill chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus trimmed
  • 1 tbsp butter Optional: for finishing salmon

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven-Safe Skillet
  • Instant-Read Thermometer

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get ready for roasting.
  2. Prepare the asparagus by tossing it with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet, then spread it in a single layer.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season them evenly on both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  4. Roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until it is tender-crisp.
  5. While the asparagus roasts, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
  6. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily.
  7. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C); optionally, add butter during the last minute and baste the salmon.
  8. Remove the salmon from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over both the salmon and asparagus, and sprinkle with fresh chopped dill before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor and a beautiful crust, ensure your salmon skin is very dry before searing. An oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron, will help achieve an even sear and allow for easy transfer to the oven if you prefer to finish cooking the salmon that way. Don't overcrowd the pan for the salmon, as this can steam instead of sear the fish. Always let the salmon rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender. Adjust seasoning to taste and feel free to add other herbs like parsley or thyme for variation.