If you’re looking for a recipe that’s wonderfully simple yet packed with flavor, the One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s everything you want in a weeknight dinner: minimal cleanup, fresh ingredients, and a deliciously satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires just one pan, which means less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
Nutritious and Balanced: Loaded with heart-healthy salmon and crisp asparagus, it ticks all the boxes for a wholesome, satisfying dinner.
Fast Cooking Time: From start to finish, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Flavor Profile: The blend of garlic, lemon, and butter complements the salmon and asparagus beautifully, and you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously: fresh salmon for rich flavor and protein, bright asparagus for a crisp veggie bite, and a luscious garlic butter sauce with lemon that ties everything together. Each element contributes to creating a dish that’s bright, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.
- Salmon Fillet: Choose fresh, wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and texture; skin-on helps keep the fish moist while baking.
- Asparagus: Look for firm, bright green spears with tightly closed tips for maximum freshness and crunch.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and lemon flavors across the pan; you can substitute with olive oil for a lighter touch.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and keeps the salmon tender; lemon slices also make for a lovely presentation and subtle aroma.
- Garlic: Provides a savory depth that elevates the entire recipe; fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Optional Fresh Herbs: Dill, parsley, or thyme are all fantastic choices to sprinkle on top for color and an herbal punch.
How to Make One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment to prevent sticking. Trim the ends off your asparagus and get your salmon fillet ready by patting it dry – this helps the seasonings stick better. Arranging everything on one pan is not just convenient, it really allows the flavors to mingle as they cook.
Step 2: Arrange and Season
Place your salmon fillet in the center of the pan and arrange the asparagus spears around it. Slide lemon slices under the edges of the salmon for a burst of aroma and a touch of elegance. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over both the fish and the veggies — seasoning well is key to bringing out the natural flavors.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Melt half a cup of butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. As soon as it’s melted, stir in a tablespoon of minced garlic. Pour this fragrant buttery mixture generously over the salmon and asparagus, which adds a luscious richness that keeps everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the pan in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook gently and the asparagus to become tender crisp. Then switch the oven to broil for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to give the salmon a beautiful golden finish and the asparagus a slight caramelized edge. For a perfect medium to medium-well salmon, look for an internal temperature around 125-130°F, then let it rest for five minutes before serving.
How to Serve One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme adds a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the buttery salmon perfectly. Adding a few extra lemon slices on top just before serving can brighten the dish even more and adds a charming presentation touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a fresh quinoa salad make excellent companions. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the salmon beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon and asparagus over a bed of herbed couscous or alongside roasted baby potatoes. Plating with a drizzle of the leftover garlic butter sauce from the pan adds flavor and keeps every bite moist and delightful. For a dinner party, consider plating individual salmon fillets with the asparagus spears fanned out elegantly next to them and garnished with lemon wedges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe will keep well for up to 2 days, making it an ideal option for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
While salmon can be frozen cooked, asparagus tends to lose its texture. So, if you want to freeze portions, separate the salmon from the asparagus, wrapping and freezing the salmon alone for best results. Use within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 300°F oven covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out the salmon. Alternatively, warming in the microwave on a low power setting works too—but be careful not to overcook. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a small pat of butter before reheating helps keep the fish moist.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even baking and avoid excess moisture that can steam the fish instead of roasting it.
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Can I substitute another vegetable for asparagus?
Absolutely. Broccoli, green beans, or snap peas all work well and can be arranged similarly around the salmon. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed, depending on the vegetable’s tenderness.
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How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon will flake easily with a fork and the internal temperature should be about 125-130°F for medium to medium-well doneness. Letting it rest after baking helps redistribute the juices for the best texture.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine alternative. The garlic and lemon will still infuse plenty of flavor, making this a delicious dairy-free meal.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe is everything you want from a home-cooked meal: fast, fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or treating yourself to a nourishing dinner, it’s a no-brainer to keep this recipe in your culinary favorites. Give it a go—you’ll love how easy and delicious dinner can be when everything cooks together on one pan!
Print
One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This One-Pan Baked Salmon and Asparagus recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender salmon fillets baked alongside fresh asparagus, all enhanced with garlic butter and lemon for a deliciously simple dish that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Salmon and Vegetables
- 1 large salmon fillet (4–6 single portion fillets)
- 1 pound asparagus spears, ends trimmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for topping
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- Juice of 1 medium lemon, plus additional lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange salmon and asparagus: Place the salmon fillet in the center of the baking sheet. Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears evenly around the salmon. Place lemon slices under the edges of the salmon. Season both the salmon and asparagus generously with salt and pepper.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice. Remove from heat and pour this flavorful mixture evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400°F. This initial baking starts cooking the salmon and softens the asparagus.
- Broil for finishing touch: After 10 minutes, switch the oven to broil setting. Broil the salmon and asparagus for an additional 5 to 7 minutes to achieve a slightly crisp and nicely browned finish on the salmon. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: For a medium to medium-well doneness, remove the salmon once its internal temperature reaches 125-130°F (52-54°C) and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with fresh herbs if desired before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon slices under the salmon for extra citrus aroma and moisture.
- Adjust broiling time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to avoid overcooking.
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme complement this dish beautifully.
- Letting the salmon rest improves juiciness and texture.
- This recipe is easy to double for larger gatherings.
