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.

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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

Servings: 4

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.

Recipe Card

Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

Name: Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Low Carb / Keto
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 1/2 lemon; Salt & pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Juicy salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and smothered in garlic butter, served with tender asparagus for a quick, low-carb, and flavorful keto dinner.

Yield: 4 servings • Prep: 5 min • Cook: 20 min • Total: 25 min

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 1/2 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: 30 g
Protein: 34 g
Net Carbs: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g

Dinner • Low Carb / Keto • keto salmon, garlic butter salmon, salmon with asparagus, low carb dinner

Final Thoughts

Loved this Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus? Save it on Pinterest, share it on Instagram, and check out my other keto dinner recipes for more quick and flavorful low-carb meals!