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Crispy Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus

crispy baked lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for perfectly crispy salmon skin and tender asparagus, flavored with fresh lemon and herbs. Ideal for a wholesome, satisfying dinner with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Rinse and pat dry the asparagus. Trim the tough ends (about 1-2 inches). Toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on one side of a foil-lined baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, about 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
  4. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place skin-side up on the other half of the baking sheet.
  5. Brush salmon generously with the lemon herb mixture, including under the edges.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and asparagus is tender-crisp with caramelized tips.
  7. Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra crispy skin, watching closely to avoid burning.
  8. Remove from oven, let rest for a couple of minutes. Spoon pan juices over salmon and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Use a hot oven (425°F) and bake skin-side up. Broil for last 1-2 minutes for extra crispness but watch carefully to avoid burning. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow even roasting. Let salmon rest a few minutes after baking for juicy texture. Asparagus can be swapped with green beans, broccolini, or zucchini ribbons.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, baked salmon, lemon herb salmon, asparagus, healthy dinner, quick dinner, crispy salmon skin, gluten-free, low-carb