Print

Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus

one-pan garlic butter salmon with asparagus - featured image

A quick and delicious one-pan dinner featuring flaky salmon and crisp-tender asparagus coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic butter mixture (reserved)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Prep the asparagus: Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Place on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then spread in a single layer on one side of the pan.
  4. Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on the other side of the sheet pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Season both sides with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika.
  5. Brush with garlic butter: Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over both the salmon fillets and the asparagus. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter for drizzling after cooking.
  6. Roast: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  7. Finish and serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the reserved garlic butter over everything. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top, then sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature salmon (let sit out for 15 minutes before cooking). Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, use two pans or cook in batches. Check for doneness early; salmon is done at 135-140°F internally (it will continue cooking after removal). For extra color, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan salmon, garlic butter salmon, asparagus, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, low-carb, keto-friendly