Description
This easy garlic butter salmon with asparagus is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Flaky salmon and tender asparagus are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce for a meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound, woody ends trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the asparagus: Wash and trim the woody ends by snapping one spear naturally and cutting the rest to match. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Spread on one side of the baking sheet.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the other side of the baking sheet, leaving space between each fillet and the asparagus.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Brush the salmon: Using a pastry brush or spoon, coat each fillet with the garlic butter mixture. Let some drip onto the asparagus.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily; asparagus should be tender-crisp with slightly charred edges.
- Optional broil: For a golden top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
- Rest and serve: Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Pat the salmon dry for best browning. Don’t crowd the pan—use two sheets if doubling. Check salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking. Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even butter distribution. Season in layers with salt and pepper before adding butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet plus
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, asparagus, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, low-carb, gluten-free