Imagine a dinner that's not just a meal, but a flavor explosion that takes only 30 minutes to prepare! This One Pan Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Asparagus recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests, this dish combines the rich, tender salmon with crisp, fresh asparagus, all infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet haven with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Trim the woody ends of the asparagus by snapping off the tough bottom parts or cutting approximately 1-2 inches from the base.
- Arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, creating a bed for the salmon fillets.
- Drizzle the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on top of the asparagus, skin-side down if applicable. Brush the salmon with the remaining olive oil.
- Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
- Arrange lemon slices on top of and around the salmon and asparagus to infuse citrus flavor during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Pat the salmon dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture
- Don't overcook! Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center
- Choose asparagus spears of uniform thickness for even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature (145°F is perfect)
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving
- Choose a rimmed baking sheet to catch any delicious cooking juices
- If possible, use wild-caught salmon for superior taste and nutrition
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
