Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus: Easy One-Pan Dinner

Dinner dilemmas are a thing of the past with this incredibly simple and satisfying garlic butter salmon and asparagus recipe.

It’s a healthy, flavorful meal that comes together on a single pan, making cleanup a breeze and your weeknights much more relaxed.

This dish is all about maximizing taste with minimal effort, proving that wholesome eating can be both delicious and convenient, even on your busiest days.

Garlic Butter Salmon and Asparagus

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• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This incredibly simple and satisfying garlic butter salmon and asparagus recipe is a healthy, flavorful meal that comes together on a single pan, making cleanup a breeze and your weeknights much more relaxed. It’s all about maximizing taste with minimal effort, proving that wholesome eating can be both delicious and convenient, even on your busiest days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin on or off

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents sticking and makes transferring the cooked meal a breeze.

2. 2. Prepare the Asparagus: On one side of the prepared baking sheet, spread out the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper, tossing gently to coat.

3. 3. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming. Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the baking sheet, leaving some space between them and the asparagus.

4. 4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The sauce should be fragrant and slightly emulsified.

5. 5. Coat the Salmon and Asparagus: Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Ensure each fillet is well coated. You can also drizzle any remaining sauce over the asparagus for extra flavor.

6. 6. Bake Until Done: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets.

7. 7. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve hot. The salmon should be moist and flaky, and the asparagus vibrant green and tender.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: roasting
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet with asparagus

Keywords: salmon, asparagus, garlic butter, one pan, healthy, weeknight, easy, dinner, lemon, rosemary

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true weeknight hero, perfect for anyone looking to put a nutritious, restaurant-quality meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for busy parents, individuals seeking healthy meal prep options, or anyone who appreciates the magic of a one-pan dinner. The combination of flaky, tender salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce creates a symphony of flavors that appeals to almost everyone. It’s a fantastic option for a casual family dinner, a quick romantic meal, or even a healthy lunch the next day. The simplicity of the preparation means less stress and more time to enjoy your evening.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this dish is straightforward, focusing on fresh, high-quality components that deliver maximum flavor. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin on or off
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For simple substitutions, if fresh rosemary isn’t available, dried rosemary works well, just use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more potent. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, a good quality bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred for its vibrant flavor. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option, though the butter truly enhances the richness of the dish. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to your personal preference – more garlic is always a good idea for garlic lovers!

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delicious one-pan meal is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents sticking and makes transferring the cooked meal a breeze.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: On one side of the prepared baking sheet, spread out the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper, tossing gently to coat.
3. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming. Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the baking sheet, leaving some space between them and the asparagus.
4. Create the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. The sauce should be fragrant and slightly emulsified.
5. Coat the Salmon and Asparagus: Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Ensure each fillet is well coated. You can also drizzle any remaining sauce over the asparagus for extra flavor.
6. Bake Until Done: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
7. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve hot. The salmon should be moist and flaky, and the asparagus vibrant green and tender.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This garlic butter salmon and asparagus is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you might consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the asparagus during the last few minutes of baking. If rosemary isn’t a family favorite, feel free to swap it out for other herbs like fresh dill or parsley. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a simple side of quinoa, brown rice, or roasted mini potatoes, which can often be cooked on the same pan if space allows. This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping; simply divide into containers for healthy lunches throughout the week. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic butter sauce.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your garlic butter salmon and asparagus turns out perfectly every time.

One common mistake is overcooking the salmon. Salmon cooks relatively quickly, and overcooking can lead to dry, tough fish. Keep an eye on it, and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature for cooked salmon should be 145°F (63°C).

Another slip-up is crowding the baking sheet. If the salmon and asparagus are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, leading to less flavorful and less crispy results. Use a large enough baking sheet, or if necessary, use two sheets to give everything enough space.

Not patting the salmon dry before seasoning can also be an issue. Excess moisture on the surface of the fish can prevent it from browning nicely and absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter as effectively. Always take a moment to pat it dry with paper towels.

Finally, skimping on the garlic and herbs can lead to a less flavorful dish. Don’t be shy with the aromatics; they are key to the deliciousness of this recipe. If using dried herbs, remember to use less than fresh.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This garlic butter salmon and asparagus is best enjoyed fresh, right out of the oven, but leftovers can be stored and reheated successfully. To store, allow any cooled leftovers to come to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the salmon and make the asparagus mushy. The best way to reheat is in the oven or an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C) and place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the texture of both the fish and the vegetables.

While you can’t fully make this dish ahead of time without cooking, you can certainly do some prep work. The garlic butter sauce can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Trim the asparagus ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, when dinner time rolls around, all you have to do is assemble and bake.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it very dry before seasoning.

What if I don’t like rosemary? No problem! You can easily substitute rosemary with other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, thyme, or even chives. Or, omit the herbs entirely and let the garlic and lemon shine.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through? Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part.

Can I add other vegetables to the pan? Absolutely! Fast-cooking vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or thinly sliced zucchini would work well. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.

Is this recipe spicy? No, this recipe is not spicy. It relies on the savory flavors of garlic, butter, and rosemary, with a bright kick from lemon. If you prefer a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.

Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

A Friendly Wrap-Up And The Best Way To Serve It

This garlic butter salmon and asparagus recipe is truly a testament to how simple, healthy, and delicious weeknight meals can be. It’s a dish that delivers on flavor without demanding

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.