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Tender Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Asparagus

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A quick and easy healthy dinner recipe featuring tender salmon fillets baked with garlic butter and roasted asparagus, perfect for weeknight meals or small gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 56 g), melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 15 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 g), sea salt preferred
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Rinse and trim the tough ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches / 2.5-5 cm). Pat dry with a kitchen towel to ensure even roasting.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter gently. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in minced garlic (4 cloves), fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon / 15 ml), salt (1 teaspoon / 5 g), and pepper (½ teaspoon / 1 g). Let the garlic infuse the butter for a minute, but don’t let it brown or burn.
  4. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet, leaving enough space between each piece. Place the trimmed asparagus spears beside the salmon in a single layer.
  5. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the salmon fillets and asparagus. Use a spoon or a basting brush to coat every inch but not swimming in butter.
  6. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil over the asparagus to help them roast perfectly.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. The asparagus should be tender-crisp with slightly browned tips.
  8. Optional: For a golden finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and melt butter gently off heat to avoid bitterness. Pat salmon dry and trim asparagus properly to ensure even roasting. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil. Broil only at the end for 2 minutes to avoid drying salmon. Let salmon rest 2 minutes after baking to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, asparagus recipe, healthy dinner, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, low-carb salmon

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/tender-garlic-butter-baked-salmon-with-asparagus-easy-healthy-dinner-recipe/