Baked Salmon with Asparagus
The first time I made Baked Salmon with Asparagus, I was struck by the way the tender fish and crunchy asparagus complemented each other. The lemon butter sauce brought everything together, infusing the dish with a bright, citrusy flavor.
As I slid the salmon into the oven, the aroma of roasting asparagus filled the kitchen, and I couldn't wait to take my first bite. The combination of flavors and textures was absolute perfection, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Asparagus
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
- To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Next, season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme. Place the salmon on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each fillet. Drizzle with lemon juice and dot the top of each fillet with softened butter.
- Now, roast the asparagus in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. After the asparagus has roasted for 10 minutes, add the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Finally, remove the salmon and asparagus from the oven, and sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon with Asparagus
The delicate flavor of the salmon and the crunch of the asparagus make this dish perfect for a light and refreshing meal. The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon butter sauce adds a nice contrast to the richness of the salmon.
Storage and Serving Tips
To store any leftover Baked Salmon with Asparagus, allow the fish to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked salmon. Wrap the fish tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Label and date the bag, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating the salmon, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon with Asparagus
A delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon and crunchy asparagus, all brought together with a bright and citrusy lemon butter sauce.
📝 Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
🍳 Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
👨🍳 Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and thyme
- Roast asparagus in the oven for 12-15 minutes
- Bake salmon in the oven for 8-10 minutes
📝 Notes
If using white wine, pour it into the baking sheet with the salmon during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This will add a rich, depth of flavor to the dish.