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Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus

one-pan lemon garlic salmon - featured image

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal featuring crispy salmon fillets roasted with tender asparagus, brightened with fresh lemon and garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 6 ounces (170 g) each
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb or 450 g), trimmed
  • 34 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 23 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or dill (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Rinse and trim the woody ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches). Pat dry thoroughly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using. Toss the asparagus in this mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on one side of the baking sheet.
  5. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub them with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and sprinkle lemon zest on top.
  6. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down next to the asparagus on the baking sheet, leaving space for even roasting.
  7. Drizzle the juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon) evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
  8. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and asparagus is tender but still crisp.
  9. Optional: Broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispy salmon skin and caramelized asparagus tips. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  10. Remove from oven, squeeze the remaining lemon half over everything, and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry for crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy asparagus. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Check salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking. Optional broil step adds crispiness but watch carefully. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, asparagus, lemon garlic salmon, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, gluten-free, paleo