Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon (Printable Version)

Salmon fillets baked in lemon garlic butter sauce paired with tender asparagus for a flavorful dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Fish & Vegetables

01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
02 - 1 lb asparagus, trimmed

→ Sauce & Seasonings

03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
05 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
09 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
10 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 4 lemon slices, for garnish

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - Place salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet. Arrange asparagus spears around the salmon.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using until combined.
04 - Drizzle the sauce evenly over salmon and asparagus. Toss asparagus gently to coat thoroughly.
05 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until salmon is just opaque and flakes easily, and asparagus is tender-crisp.
06 - Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks on one pan, so cleanup is as quick as dinner itself.
  • The lemon-garlic butter soaks into the salmon and asparagus, making every bite rich and bright.
  • It looks fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight when you're too tired to think.
02 -
  • Check the thickest part of the salmon at 12 minutes, thinner fillets cook faster and you don't want them rubbery.
  • Don't skip the lemon zest, it's where all the fragrant oils live and it makes the sauce sing.
03 -
  • Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking so it cooks more evenly.
  • If your asparagus stalks are thick, slice them in half lengthwise so they cook at the same rate as the salmon.

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