Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon (Print version)

Salmon fillets baked with lemon-garlic butter and asparagus, perfect for an elegant meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Fish & Vegetables

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

→ Sauce & Seasonings

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Place salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet and arrange asparagus spears around them.
03 - Combine melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl; whisk until blended.
04 - Drizzle the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon and asparagus, gently tossing the asparagus to coat.
05 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily and asparagus is tender-crisp.
06 - Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, garnish with lemon slices, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks together on one sheet pan, so theres barely any cleanup and you can actually relax while dinner bakes.
  • The lemon-garlic butter seeps into both the salmon and asparagus, creating this bright, restaurant-quality flavor that feels way fancier than the effort required.
  • Its naturally gluten-free and low carb, but honestly, it just tastes like really good food without any compromise.
02 -
  • Check your salmon at the 12-minute mark because ovens vary wildly, and the difference between perfectly moist and dry is about two minutes.
  • If your asparagus spears are really thick, give them a five-minute head start in the oven before adding the salmon so everything finishes together.
03 -
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel before seasoning so the butter sauce sticks instead of sliding off.
  • If you want a little char, switch the oven to broil for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk so nothing burns.

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