Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

$To make garlic butter salmon and asparagus, you need some simple main ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 salmon fillets - 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty and healthy meal. The salmon is rich and flaky, while the asparagus adds a nice crunch. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in this dish. Look for bright green asparagus with firm stems. The salmon should be vibrant and smell fresh, not fishy. Fresh garlic adds bold flavor, and fresh lemon juice gives a nice zing. If you can’t find some of the main ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy substitutions: - Instead of salmon, you can use trout or cod. - If you don’t have asparagus, try green beans or broccoli. - For butter alternatives, use olive oil or coconut oil. - You can swap fresh lemon juice with lime juice for a twist. These swaps can still give you a tasty meal while making this recipe work for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 2 salmon fillets - 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillets on one side and the trimmed asparagus on the other. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells amazing. Then, stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. This mixture adds rich flavor to the dish. Pour half of this garlic butter over the salmon. Use the other half for the asparagus. Make sure both are well coated. Bake everything in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the asparagus should be tender. Once your dish is done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for a minute. This helps the flavors settle. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and taste. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Salmon and Asparagus warm. It looks great on the plate and tastes even better! When picking salmon, look for bright color. The flesh should be firm to touch. Avoid fish that smells strong or has brown spots. Fresh salmon should have a clean ocean scent. If possible, buy from a trusted source. Ask the fishmonger about the catch date. You want the freshest salmon for the best taste. Start with unsalted butter for more control over taste. Melt it gently to keep the flavor rich. Add minced garlic and cook until it smells great. This takes just 1-2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice for a zesty kick. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. A dash of paprika adds depth and color. This mix will make your salmon shine. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus for easy eating. Choose thin stalks for tenderness. If you like crunch, don’t overcook them. Baking for 12-15 minutes at 400°F keeps them crisp. Toss them in garlic butter for added flavor. Check for doneness by poking with a fork. They should be bright green and tender to your bite. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and asparagus will provide the best flavor and texture, making your dish more enjoyable. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon should be cooked until it flakes easily with a fork; overcooking can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Add Extra Flavor: Experiment with herbs like dill or thyme for additional layers of flavor in your garlic butter mixture. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as the flavors and textures are at their peak. {{image_2}} You can mix in other vegetables for more flavor. Broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers work well. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes as the asparagus. This way, they cook at the same rate. Toss them in the garlic butter, just like the salmon and asparagus. You’ll have a colorful and tasty dish! Herbs add great flavor to this meal. You can try dill, thyme, or basil. Just chop them and sprinkle on top before baking. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne. This will give your dish a nice kick. Experiment with spices to find your favorite mix! If you want to change how you cook this dish, you can grill it! Just preheat your grill and cook the salmon and asparagus on medium heat. It takes about the same time. You can also pan-sear the salmon for a crispy skin. Use a skillet with some butter, and cook over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side. Each method brings a new flavor to your meal! To store leftover garlic butter salmon, let it cool first. Place the salmon in an airtight container. Add the asparagus in the same container or a separate one. This keeps both fresh. Store them in the fridge. They will last for up to two days. When you are ready to eat the salmon, reheat it gently. You can use the oven or the stovetop. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. On the stovetop, use a non-stick pan on low heat. This prevents overcooking and keeps the flavors intact. If you want to keep garlic butter salmon longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap the salmon and asparagus tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Then reheat and enjoy! You can tell salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh turns from a deep pink to a lighter color. It should also feel firm, not mushy. For more precise results, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and still moist. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. The best way is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the cold water method. Place the sealed salmon in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. Garlic Butter Salmon and Asparagus go well with several sides. Here are a few tasty options: - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base - Mashed potatoes for creaminess - A simple green salad for freshness - Garlic bread for extra flavor These sides will balance the rich taste of the salmon and the crispness of the asparagus. In this post, we explored how to make garlic butter salmon and asparagus. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods. I shared tips on choosing fresh salmon and perfecting flavors. You can also try different veggies and herbs for variety. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your delicious meal, and don’t hesitate to try new twists!$

Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

A delicious and healthy dish featuring salmon fillets and asparagus, coated in garlic butter.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 fillets salmon
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
While the oven heats, arrange the salmon fillets and asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika into the melted garlic butter.
Pour half of the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets and the other half over the asparagus, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a minute.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving!

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Keyword asparagus, garlic butter, salmon