Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both elegant and ridiculously easy to make, Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is here to save the day! This dish is everything you want: tender, flaky salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and the kind of buttery, garlicky sauce that makes every bite feel like a mini celebration. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still want to impress—or for a special occasion when you’re craving something a little more luxurious. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one again and again!

Why You’ll Love This

All-in-One Dish: The salmon and asparagus cook together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, it’s so much easier than juggling multiple pots and pans.
Buttery Goodness: The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, infusing both the salmon and asparagus with a rich, savory flavor. It’s simple but incredibly delicious.
Healthy & Flavorful: Packed with omega-3s from the salmon and vitamins from the asparagus, this dish is healthy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by swapping in different veggies or adjusting the garlic butter to suit your taste.

Ingredients in Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

Salmon Fillets

The star of the dish! Fresh salmon fillets are the perfect balance of rich and flaky, and they soak up all that delicious garlic butter.

Asparagus

Tender, crisp asparagus adds a fresh, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery salmon.

Butter

A generous amount of butter creates that silky, rich sauce that coats both the salmon and asparagus.

Garlic

Fresh minced garlic adds depth and a lovely aromatic quality that infuses the butter and creates a flavorful sauce.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the butter.

Salt & Pepper

Seasoning the salmon and asparagus with salt and pepper is key to bringing out the best in both ingredients.

Fresh Herbs (Optional)

Fresh parsley, thyme, or dill are optional, but they add a pop of color and extra flavor to finish off the dish beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for roasting.

Step 2: Season the Salmon and Asparagus

Place the salmon fillets and asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and salmon, and season everything with salt and pepper. Make sure the salmon is well-coated with seasoning, as it helps to enhance its natural flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.

Step 4: Drizzle the Garlic Butter

Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon and asparagus, making sure everything is coated in that delicious buttery goodness.

Step 5: Roast

Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish for a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet & asparagus
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 470mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Prep Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus

This dish is perfect served on its own or with a simple side like mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp green salad. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce—because trust me, you’ll want to savor every drop!

Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, would complement this dish beautifully.

Additional Tips

Swap Veggies: You can easily swap the asparagus for other veggies like broccoli, green beans, or even Brussels sprouts. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Double the Batch: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can double the recipe and store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A1: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw it fully before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dish on the stove?
A2: Absolutely! You can pan-sear the salmon in a skillet and sauté the asparagus on the side for a stovetop version.

Q3: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A3: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Q4: Can I use a different type of fish?
A4: Yes, this recipe works well with other fish like trout, cod, or tilapia.

Q5: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
A5: Yes, you can make the garlic butter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat before drizzling over the salmon and asparagus.

Q6: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A6: You can use garlic powder instead. Just use 1-2 teaspoons and mix it into the butter.

Q7: Can I cook the salmon in foil?
A7: Yes, wrapping the salmon in foil with the garlic butter creates a more steamed effect, which helps retain moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q8: How do I reheat leftovers?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the salmon and asparagus moist.

Q9: Can I make this dish low-carb?
A9: Yes, this dish is already low-carb, so it’s perfect for a keto or low-carb meal!

Q10: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus is the ultimate combination of simplicity, flavor, and elegance. The buttery garlic sauce elevates the fresh ingredients, making this dish feel like a special treat, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a crowd. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll be making this again and again!

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