Garlic Butter Salmon Asparagus (Printable)

Salmon and asparagus roasted together in a flavorful garlic butter sauce for an elegant main course.

# Ingredient List:

→ Seafood

01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
03 - 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
04 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Position salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet. Arrange trimmed asparagus in a single layer around the salmon. Tuck lemon slices between salmon and asparagus.
03 - Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
04 - Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
05 - Roast in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender.
06 - Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-Pan Wonder: Everything roasts together on a single baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free and Low Carb: Perfect for those following pescatarian, gluten-free, or low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: The garlic butter sauce transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, flavorful dish.
  • Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, dinner is on the table in 35 minutes.
  • Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with omega-3s from salmon, fiber from asparagus, and plenty of protein to keep you satisfied.
02 -
  • Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when just cooked through and still moist in the center. Check at 15 minutes and remove from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to bottled or dried versions.
  • Room Temperature Salmon: Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for more even roasting.
  • Check Doneness: The internal temperature of fully cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C), though many prefer it at 125-130°F (52-54°C) for a more tender, medium texture.
  • Save the Pan Juices: Any garlic butter sauce left on the baking sheet is liquid gold—drizzle it over the salmon and asparagus before serving.
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