Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for weeknights. Tender salmon fillets are roasted together with fresh asparagus in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, enhanced by lemon zest and juice for a bright finish. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s a nutritious, elegant dish that combines simplicity with impressive taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Asparagus
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin-on if desired
- 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
To Serve
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the salmon and asparagus efficiently.
- Prepare Asparagus: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus with extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer around the edges of the baking sheet, making space in the center for the salmon fillets.
- Season Salmon: Season the salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down, if desired, in the center of the baking sheet, surrounded by the asparagus.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with finely chopped garlic, chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
- Drizzle Sauce: Evenly drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets and asparagus to infuse the flavors during roasting.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked salmon and asparagus with additional chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure salmon fillets are similar in size thickness.
- You can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact in the butter sauce.
- Skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist during roasting but can be removed before serving if preferred.
- To check for doneness, salmon should easily flake with a fork but remain moist inside.
