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A beautifully cooked fillet of Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus on a baking sheet, garnished with lemon slices.

Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

This recipe offers a quick and elegant meal perfect for busy weeknights. It features flaky salmon and tender asparagus coated in a flavorful garlic-herb butter, all cooked on a single sheet pan.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Butter Softening 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 main course
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 374

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon and Asparagus
  • 2 lbs salmon filet cut into six 6 oz portions
  • 2 lbs asparagus fibrous ends removed
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small lemon sliced into rings for garnish
For the Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice from 1 small lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt we used sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Food processor (optional)
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with the oven rack in the top third. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the paper to fit the pan so it does not go over the edges, which prevents charring under the broiler.
  2. Place the salmon filets in a row down the center of the lined baking pan. Arrange the trimmed asparagus on the sides of the salmon. Drizzle the asparagus lightly with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle both the asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
  3. In a medium bowl, mash together the softened butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper with a fork until combined. This may take a couple of minutes. Alternatively, you can use a food processor.
  4. Spoon three-quarters of the flavored butter over the salmon filets, spreading it evenly. Dot the remaining butter mixture over the asparagus.
  5. Top each salmon filet with a slice of lemon. Bake uncovered at 450°F (230°C) for 10-12 minutes. For a golden finish, set the oven to broil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
  6. If your asparagus is thin, add it to the sheet pan halfway through the baking time, or use a separate pan, to prevent overcooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 34gFat: 24g

Notes

To quickly soften butter, place the wrapped stick in an airtight ziploc bag and submerge it in warm water (around 100°F or 38°C). Place a weight on top to keep it submerged. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until softened.

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