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Easy Lemon Butter Salmon with Asparagus Recipe for Perfect One-Pan Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pan dinner featuring flaky salmon and crisp-tender asparagus roasted in a buttery lemon sauce, ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh (optional)
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme if using. Set aside.
  3. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends (about 1-2 inches from the bottom). Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) spaced evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe roasting pan.
  5. Arrange the asparagus around the salmon in a single layer.
  6. Pour half the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets and the remaining sauce over the asparagus.
  7. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender but crisp.
  8. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden finish, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Use wild-caught salmon for best flavor. Butter sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine. If asparagus cooks faster than salmon, place on separate halves of the pan to adjust cooking times. Let salmon rest after cooking to redistribute juices. Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter salmon, asparagus, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb, gluten-free

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