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Easy Zesty Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus

zesty baked lemon herb salmon - featured image
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A quick and easy baked salmon recipe featuring a bright lemon herb marinade paired with tender-crisp garlic butter asparagus. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each), skin on or off depending on preference
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound / 450 grams), trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, salt, and pepper to prepare the salmon marinade.
  3. Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and brush or spoon the marinade evenly over each piece.
  4. Let the salmon rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by snapping them gently.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add the asparagus to the skillet, toss in the garlic butter, and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until bright green and tender-crisp.
  8. Transfer the skillet off heat, season asparagus with salt, pepper, and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Keep warm.
  9. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside.
  10. Remove salmon from oven and let it rest for 2 minutes.
  11. Serve the salmon alongside the garlic butter asparagus immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Watch the garlic closely when cooking asparagus to avoid burning and bitterness. Let salmon rest after baking for juicy texture. If salmon is thicker than 1 inch, add a couple more minutes to baking time. Do not overcrowd asparagus in the pan to ensure sautéing rather than steaming. Marinate salmon overnight for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, baked salmon, lemon herb salmon, garlic butter asparagus, healthy dinner, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/easy-zesty-baked-lemon-herb-salmon-with-garlic-butter-asparagus-recipe/