Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus

Name: Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 4 medium potatoes, diced; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love cooking salmon, especially when it's paired with the bright and tangy flavor of lemon butter! This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus is one of my go-to weeknight meals that impresses everyone. The combination of the flaky salmon, crispy potatoes, and tender asparagus creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors. In just 30 minutes, this dish transforms into a gourmet experience right in your kitchen, making it perfect for busy evenings or special gatherings.

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:14:18.617Z

When I first tried Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus, I was amazed at how easy it was to prepare such a delicious meal. The secret lies in the butter sauce, which is simple yet elevates the entire dish. I remember experimenting with the cooking times for the potatoes to ensure they come out perfectly crispy while allowing the salmon to retain its moistness.

Not only is this meal flavorful, but the presentation is stunning too! I love garnishing the salmon with fresh herbs and lemon slices to bring out the vibrant colors. I’ve even made it for dinner parties, and everyone raves about how restaurant-quality the dish tastes. It's versatile enough to serve with a simple side salad or some crusty bread!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon butter enhances the salmon's natural flavors
Crispy potatoes provide a satisfying crunch with every bite
Healthy asparagus adds a vibrant color and nutrition to the plate
Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners

Perfecting the Salmon

Achieving the perfect salmon fillet requires attention to detail, especially during cooking. When seasoning the salmon, don't hold back on the salt and pepper; they enhance the natural flavors of the fish significantly. The key to juicy salmon is cooking it at medium heat in your skillet, allowing it to sear nicely on the outside while remaining moist inside. Look for the fish to change from translucent to opaque; this signifies it's nearly done. As a cooking tip, you can gently press down on the salmon with a spatula for even cooking.

Using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of cooking salmon. The ideal internal temperature for perfectly cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C). If you prefer a more tender flakiness, aim for around 125°F (52°C) and allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute across the fillet, resulting in a moist and flavorful bite. Always remember to serve salmon skin-side down on the plate for a professional presentation.

Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus Tips

When preparing crispy potatoes, uniformity in size is critical to ensure even cooking. Aim for approximately 1-inch cubes for your diced potatoes. If you notice that potatoes take longer to crisp up than expected, ensure your baking sheet isn’t overcrowded; overcrowding can create steam instead of promoting a nice roast. Also, don’t forget to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to get that even golden-brown exterior. This attention to detail can elevate your dish from good to exceptional.

As for the asparagus, tie a kitchen string around the stalks before cooking if you want to ensure that they maintain their shape and cook evenly. Additionally, you can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a twist. Just keep the same roasting temperature and time, but remember that different vegetables may have varying cook times. For example, thinner vegetables like green beans may take a bit less time, around 8-10 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious meal:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

These ingredients will come together to create a delightful dish.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Lemon Butter Salmon:

Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Cook the Asparagus

In the last 10 minutes of cooking the potatoes, add the trimmed asparagus to the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast alongside the potatoes.

Cook the Salmon

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add lemon juice and zest. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Combine and Serve

Once the salmon is cooked, plate it alongside the crispy potatoes and asparagus. Drizzle additional lemon butter over the salmon, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!

Follow these steps closely for a perfect result!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding garlic to the lemon butter sauce or marinating the salmon in lemon juice for a few minutes before cooking.

Preparing Ahead of Time

You can certainly prepare elements of this dish in advance to save time on busy weeknights. For example, you can dice the potatoes and trim the asparagus a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Remember to pat the potatoes dry before cooking to encourage crisping. Additionally, the lemon butter sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply warm it gently before drizzling over the salmon.

If you happen to have leftovers, the salmon and vegetables can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, gently warm them in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to create steam for the salmon to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus pairs beautifully with a side of wild rice or a light quinoa salad for a heartier meal. The nuttiness of these grains complements the zesty flavor of the lemon butter, creating a well-rounded dish. You could also serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to add a fresh component to your meal.

For a touch of luxury, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top of the asparagus before serving, or even a few capers alongside the salmon for an additional flavor dimension. These small enhancements can elevate your dish while allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to defrost it first before cooking for even results.

→ How can I make this recipe low-carb?

You can substitute the potatoes with cauliflower or zucchini for a low-carb version while maintaining the same delicious flavors.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While the salmon is best served fresh, you can prepare the potatoes and asparagus in advance and reheat them when ready to serve.