
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total time
- 30 min
- Yield
- 2 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 540 kcal
Quick summary
“Made entirely in a non-stick skillet, this recipe unites salmon fillets with crispy skin to asparagus sautéed with garlic. A quick and refined meal, ready in half an hour on the stove.”
What you need to know
- Rigorous drying of the skin: removing moisture with paper towels ensures the formation of a crispy crust when searing.
- Pressure at the beginning: pressing the fillet in the first 30 seconds prevents the skin from shrinking and losing contact with the bottom of the pan.
- Asparagus sautéed in fat: sautéing in the oil flavored by the fish takes advantage of all the residual juices.
Ingredients
Main
- units (approx. 180-200g each, with skin) Salmon Fillets
- bunch (about 250g) Fresh Asparagus
- tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- dentes, picados finamente Garlic
- tablespoon Lemon Juice
- tablespoons, chopped Fresh Parsley
- tablespoon, chopped (optional) Fresh Dill
- Sal Marinho
- freshly ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Principal
- Remove any excess moisture from the salmon fillets with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
- Wash the asparagus well and break the hardest (fibrous) ends. Discard the bottom part. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a good quality non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot, but not smoking.
- Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down. Press gently for 30 seconds. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes (or less, depending on thickness), until the desired doneness. Remove the salmon and set aside on a plate, covering with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, add the asparagus and chopped garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly golden.
- Remove asparagus. Drizzle the salmon and asparagus with lemon juice. Sprinkle with parsley and dill. Serve immediately.
Chef's tips
- Bend the asparagus stem until it breaks naturally to discard the fibrous and woody base without wasting the stalk.
- Avoid moving the fillets in the first 4 minutes in the skillet so that the skin browns without sticking to the surface.
- Drizzle the Sicilian lemon over the asparagus and the meat, without wetting the golden skin so as not to soften the crust.
Variations
- Herb butter: melt a tablespoon of butter with the garlic in the skillet in the final moments of preparation.
- Sesame crust: roll sesame seeds over the meat before searing to create extra crispy texture.
- Touch of herbs: add fresh thyme leaves or lemon zest when sautéing the asparagus.
Substitutions
- Aspargos frescos: can be replaced by soft green beans, broccoli in thin branches, or zucchini in medium strips.
- Salmon: use trout fillets with skin or thick yellow croaker, adapting the cooking time to the thickness.
- Sicilian lemon: use regular Tahiti lime or mild apple cider vinegar to finish with the necessary citrus touch.
How to store
Store in a container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. As reheating softens the skin, prefer heating in a hot skillet over low heat with the skin side down for 3 minutes.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze cooked salmon. The texture of the fish becomes dry upon thawing, and the sautéed asparagus loses its natural firmness, becoming soft and mushy.
What to serve with
Pair with creamy arracacha puree, white rice flavored with lemon zest, or rustic potatoes golden in the oven with olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, and sea salt.
Frequently asked questions
Can fresh dill be omitted?
Dill is optional. Fresh chopped parsley combined with Sicilian lemon juice already provides an excellent aromatic profile to the dish.
Can skinless fillets be prepared the same way?
Yes, however, reduce the cooking time by about 1 minute per side, as the absence of skin exposes the meat directly to the heat.
Which pan is most suitable for searing fish?
A heavy-bottomed, flat non-stick skillet is ideal to ensure the skin doesn't stick or break during cooking.
How to know if the salmon has reached the correct point?
Observe the sides: when the meat becomes pink and opaque up to three-quarters of the height, turn the fillet and cook for only 3 more minutes.





