There’s nothing quite like a beautifully baked salmon fillet with zesty lemon and perfectly roasted asparagus to make dinner feel special—without the stress. This recipe is my weeknight hero: quick, flavorful, and surprisingly elegant. Plus, it’s all done on one sheet pan, which means minimal cleanup. Let’s make a meal that feels a little fancy, even on a Tuesday!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a dream come true for busy nights! It’s packed with flavor, comes together in under 30 minutes, and requires just one pan. Plus, it’s nourishing and totally customizable. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, vitamins, and fresh flavors.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes on one sheet pan for easy cleanup.
- Simple But Elegant: Great for a casual dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but adds great flavor!)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon: If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Salmon cooks quickly! Keep an eye on it to prevent dryness.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Let the salmon marinate in the lemon-garlic mixture for 10 minutes before baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
- Season everything: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Drizzle this mixture over the salmon and asparagus.
- Add butter and lemon: Brush the melted butter on top of the salmon, then place lemon slices over each fillet.
- Bake: Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the asparagus and salmon space to roast properly.
- Use a thermometer: Salmon is perfectly cooked at 125-130°F for moist, flaky texture.
- Make it crispier: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden top.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Swap the Veggies: Try green beans, cherry tomatoes, or Brussels sprouts instead of asparagus.
- Add a Sauce: Drizzle with a simple garlic butter sauce or a creamy dill dressing.
- Serve with Sides: Pair with quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
FAQs
How do I know when salmon is done?
Your salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to remove excess moisture.
What can I do if my salmon is dry?
Try cooking it for a few minutes less next time, and always watch for that perfect flaky texture.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place salmon fillets and asparagus on the sheet.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika; drizzle over everything.
- Brush melted butter over salmon and top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is flaky.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid, or leave a comment below with your tips and twists. Happy cooking!
