Description
This Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus recipe is a quick and easy dinner option that combines tender, flaky salmon fillets with crisp-tender asparagus, all baked together with a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with lemon, Dijon mustard, honey, and smoked paprika. Perfectly balanced and packed with protein and vegetables, this recipe offers a healthy, delicious meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon and asparagus.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, mixing thoroughly to create a flavorful sauce.
- Arrange Salmon and Asparagus: Place the salmon fillets on one side of the prepared baking sheet and the asparagus on the other side.
- Apply Sauce: Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus to season and coat them before cooking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus just before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh asparagus with green beans or broccoli if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Ensure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
