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Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

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This one-pan garlic butter salmon with asparagus is a quick, foolproof weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and a foil packet technique, it delivers moist, flaky salmon and perfectly tender asparagus in a rich garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to fold over and create a packet later.
  2. Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Arrange them in a single layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the other half of the baking sheet, skin-side down if they have skin, leaving space between each fillet.
  4. In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave (about 20-30 seconds). Add the minced garlic, zest of one lemon, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if using. Stir until combined.
  5. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet and some over the asparagus. Reserve about a tablespoon of the butter for drizzling after baking.
  6. Fold the overhanging foil up and over the salmon and asparagus, crimping the edges to seal it tightly into a packet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes. For medium-rare salmon, bake for 12 minutes; for fully cooked, flaky salmon, bake for 15 minutes. The asparagus should be tender but still bright green.
  8. Carefully open the foil packet (watch out for hot steam). Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes. Drizzle the reserved garlic butter over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a better texture. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for best flavor. For thicker asparagus, give them a 2-minute head start in the oven. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or ghee. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan salmon, garlic butter salmon, asparagus, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy salmon recipe, easy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/easy-one-pan-garlic-butter-salmon-with-asparagus/