Description
This Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus recipe is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender salmon fillets baked alongside fresh asparagus, all coated in a zesty garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon, Dijon mustard, and honey, this dish offers a balanced and healthy option packed with bold flavors and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon & Vegetables
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the salmon and asparagus evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier after cooking.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir well to blend all the flavors evenly.
- Arrange Ingredients: Place the salmon fillets on one side of the lined baking sheet and arrange the fresh asparagus on the other side. Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce evenly over both the salmon and asparagus to start infusing flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender-crisp, retaining some bite and freshness.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus. Serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For even cooking, try to select salmon fillets of similar size and thickness.
- You can substitute asparagus with broccoli or green beans if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or more savory depending on your taste.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure the asparagus is trimmed properly by snapping off the woody ends before baking.
