Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets roasted with fresh asparagus and a zesty garlic butter sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines the richness of butter and garlic with the bright tang of lemon, resulting in a perfectly balanced, hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Vegetables
- 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
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting of the salmon and asparagus.
- Prepare the Asparagus: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the trimmed asparagus with extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the asparagus in a single layer around the perimeter of the sheet, leaving space in the center for the salmon.
- Season the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them skin-side down in the center of the baking sheet.
- Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with finely chopped garlic, chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Drizzle with Garlic Butter: Evenly drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring each fillet is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Roast in Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salmon and asparagus with additional chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a lightly browned top.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking and caramelization.
- Skin-on salmon helps keep the fillet moist; you can remove the skin when serving if preferred.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor impact in the garlic butter sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter.
