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Easy Sheet Pan Salmon Recipe with Asparagus and Lemon Herb Butter for Perfect Dinner

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A quick and easy sheet pan salmon recipe featuring perfectly roasted salmon and asparagus with a bright, buttery lemon herb butter sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on if possible
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons (55 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Set the oven rack in the middle position.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped dill or thyme, and minced garlic. Mix well to create the lemon herb butter.
  3. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends. Lay the asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  5. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet among the asparagus, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Spread about half of the lemon herb butter evenly over the top of each fillet.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (about 1 inch thick). The salmon should flake easily with a fork and remain moist, and the asparagus should be tender-crisp with slight caramelization.
  7. Remove from the oven and dollop the remaining lemon herb butter onto the hot salmon and asparagus so it melts luxuriously. Optionally, squeeze a little more fresh lemon juice over everything.
  8. Serve immediately, enjoying the balance of flaky salmon, buttery lemon herb sauce, and crisp-tender asparagus.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming. Use room temperature salmon for even cooking. If fillets are thicker than 1 inch, add 3-5 minutes to cooking time. A quick broil for 1-2 minutes can help crisp the skin if needed. Lemon herb butter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil-based spread. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan salmon, easy salmon recipe, asparagus recipe, lemon herb butter, one pan dinner, healthy salmon, quick dinner, roasted salmon

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