One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, this One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is the perfect choice! With juicy, flaky salmon and tender asparagus, all roasted together in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, this dish is packed with nutrients and incredible taste. Plus, it’s cooked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or a fancy meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s low-carb, keto-friendly, and naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of diets.

Ingredients

For the Salmon & Asparagus:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and Italian seasoning.
2. Set the sauce aside while you prep the salmon and asparagus.

Step 3: Season the Salmon & Asparagus

1. Place the salmon fillets on one side of the prepared baking sheet and the asparagus on the other.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Season the salmon with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 4: Add the Garlic Butter

1. Spoon or brush the garlic butter sauce over each salmon fillet.
2. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the asparagus for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon & Asparagus

1. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
2. If you like a crispy top, broil for an additional 2 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for extra brightness.
3. Enjoy with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Tips for the Best Salmon & Asparagus

1. Choose Fresh, Quality Salmon

• Look for wild-caught salmon if possible—it has a richer flavor and better texture.
• If using frozen fillets, thaw completely before cooking for even results.

2. Trim the Asparagus Properly

• Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus by bending each spear near the bottom—it naturally breaks at the right spot!
• If your asparagus spears are extra thick, cut them in half lengthwise for even cooking.

3. Adjust Cooking Time Based on Thickness

• If your salmon fillets are thinner (½-inch thick), check for doneness at 10-12 minutes.
• Thicker fillets (1-inch or more) may need up to 16 minutes.

4. Don’t Overcook the Salmon

• Salmon should be 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part when done.
• A good rule of thumb: it should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Make It Dairy-Free

• Swap butter for olive oil or ghee for a completely dairy-free version.

2. Switch Up the Veggies

• Instead of asparagus, try broccoli, green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• For a heartier option, add small baby potatoes (roast them for 10 minutes first before adding the salmon).

3. Spice It Up!

• Add extra chili flakes or cayenne for more heat.
• Try garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra seasoning.

4. Use a Different Sauce

• Instead of garlic butter, drizzle with teriyaki sauce, balsamic glaze, or a lemon-dill yogurt sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus with:

• Steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash for a comforting side
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce!

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 8-10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

• While asparagus doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the salmon and asparagus up to 8 hours in advance and store them covered in the fridge. Bake when ready.

2. What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh lemon gives a brighter flavor. You can also substitute with lime juice or white wine vinegar.

3. How do I know when salmon is cooked?

The easiest way is to check for flakiness. If it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. For accuracy, use a meat thermometer (145°F is perfect!).

4. Can I grill this recipe instead?

Yes! Grill the salmon and asparagus over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is the perfect combination of flavor, simplicity, and nutrition. It’s easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Try it today and let us know how you liked it! 🍽️🐟