Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Asparagus!

🥗 Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Potatoes & Asparagus

🍽️ Serves: 2

⏱️ Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for brushing)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped

For the Roasted Potatoes

• 1 lb baby or Yukon gold potatoes, halved

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or thyme)

For the Asparagus

• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: drizzle of lemon juice or grated parmesan

Instructions

1. Roast the Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet, cut side down.

4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Sprinkle with chopped herbs before serving.

2. Cook the Asparagus

1. While potatoes roast, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Add to the same baking sheet (for the last 10–12 minutes of potato roasting).

3. Optionally, drizzle with lemon juice or sprinkle with parmesan after baking.

3. Pan-Sear the Salmon

1. Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Place salmon skin-side up and sear for 3–4 minutes, until golden.

4. Flip, add butter and garlic to the pan, and cook for another 3–4 minutes, basting the top with melted butter.

5. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle of herbs.

4. Assemble

Serve salmon with roasted potatoes and asparagus. Garnish with extra herbs or a wedge of lemon.

💬 Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use a different vegetable instead of asparagus?
Absolutely! Green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts work great with the same roasting method.

Q2: How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Try marinating the salmon in a mix of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and honey for 15–30 minutes before cooking. You can also add smoked paprika or a bit of chili flakes.

Q3: What’s the best salmon to use?
Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets are best. Wild-caught tends to have a richer flavor, while farm-raised is milder.

Q4: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until flaky. You can even bake it on the same sheet as the asparagus.

Q5: How do I know when salmon is cooked perfectly?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium doneness.