Description
A quick and flavorful Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe featuring crispy-skinned salmon fillets seasoned with lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder, pan-seared to perfection. Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus adds a delicious, buttery, and cheesy vegetable side, making this an easy and healthy dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the salmon: Coat the salmon fillets evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot enough to sizzle.
- Cook salmon skin-side down: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Flip and finish cooking: Turn the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the fillets before removing them from the skillet.
- Prepare Garlic Parmesan Asparagus (optional): While the salmon cooks, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the trimmed asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the spears are tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and cheese: Stir in the minced garlic with the asparagus, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and immediately toss with the grated Parmesan cheese until coated and slightly melted.
- Serve: Plate the salmon hot alongside the Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy.
Notes
- For crispier salmon skin, avoid moving the fillets too soon after placing them in the pan.
- If you want to keep the meal dairy-free, omit the butter and Parmesan in the asparagus side.
- Feel free to swap asparagus for other quick-cooking vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, verify that all ingredients, especially seasoning powders, contain no gluten additives.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
