The aroma of Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful dinner experience. This dish combines flaky salmon with tender asparagus, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Chicken parmesan grilled cheese Garlic butter grilled artichokes Grilled asparagus with lemon zest
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
- What side dishes pair well with this meal?
- How can I tell when the salmon is done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine sitting down to a vibrant meal where each bite bursts with flavor and freshness. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone craving more. Spring pea and mint salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The combination of garlic butter and fresh asparagus creates an unforgettable flavor profile
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it perfect for entertaining guests or a cozy night in
- Versatile enough to pair with rice, quinoa, or even crusty bread for a complete meal
I once made this for my family on a hectic weeknight, and the smiles around the table were priceless—everyone went back for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, skin-on fillets for added flavor and texture; frozen works too if you’re in a pinch.
Fresh Asparagus: Look for bright green spears that are firm to the touch; bend them gently to check freshness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic kick; avoid pre-minced varieties for the best flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness; plus, it enhances the overall buttery richness.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the natural flavors of both the salmon and asparagus.
Paprika (optional): A sprinkle adds color and a hint of smokiness that complements the salmon beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your salmon cooks evenly and gets that beautiful caramelization on top.
Prepare Your Sheet Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Season the Salmon and Asparagus: Place your salmon fillets on one side of the pan and arrange the asparagus on the other. Drizzle olive oil over both, then generously season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1-2 minutes—to avoid bitterness.
Add Lemon Juice to Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. This will bring brightness to your dish!
Bake It Up!: Pour the garlic butter sauce over both salmon and asparagus before placing them in your preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Enjoy this mouthwatering Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus as it fills your home with irresistible aromas while you wait! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- This Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is a game-changer for weeknight dinners
- The dish comes together in just 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
- Plus, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that makes healthy eating feel like a treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it heats, season the salmon and asparagus, then arrange them on a sheet pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes until everything is perfectly cooked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out asparagus for green beans or broccoli if you prefer. Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme to elevate the flavor profile of your salmon!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip on patting the salmon dry before seasoning; it helps achieve that perfect crust
- Always check for doneness with a fork; it should flake easily
- Lastly, drizzle with fresh lemon juice right before serving for an extra zing!
Memories of my first attempt at this recipe make me chuckle; I mistakenly thought I had garlic powder instead of salt and ended up with a “garlicky” surprise that my friends still joke about.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole Recipe recipe.
Quinoa or rice pilaf complements the salmon beautifully without overpowering flavors.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the delightful fusion of flaky salmon and tender asparagus, all bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is not only easy to prepare but also promises to elevate your dinner experience with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange salmon fillets on one side of the pan and asparagus on the other. Drizzle both with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Pour the garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g) with asparagus
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
