Description
Lemon Pepper Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish where tender salmon fillets are seasoned with tangy lemon zest, pepper, and a touch of garlic. It’s pan-seared to crispy perfection, offering a zesty and light meal. Pair it with Garlic Parmesan Asparagus for an optional but deliciously savory side that complements the salmon perfectly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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: 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- Optional: 2 tbsp butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before removing from the skillet.
- Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: While the salmon is cooking, in a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic to the asparagus and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and coated.
- Serve the salmon hot with the Garlic Parmesan Asparagus on the side, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter dish, you can grill the salmon instead of pan-searing it.
- If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh zest provides a more vibrant flavor.
- The Garlic Parmesan Asparagus is optional but makes a fantastic side dish with this salmon!
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning on the salmon to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a little heat if you like spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (without asparagus)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg