Lemon Pepper Salmon (with Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus)

If you’re looking for a simple yet sensational dinner that’s bursting with flavor, then Lemon Pepper Salmon is your answer! The salmon is perfectly seasoned with a zesty lemon and pepper blend that creates the most irresistible, fresh flavor. It’s light, healthy, and absolutely packed with taste. Pair it with some Garlic Parmesan Asparagus, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s worthy of a special dinner but easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, you’re going to fall in love with how these flavors come together.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Pepper Salmon

Here’s why this dish is a true winner:

Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon and pepper seasoning brings out the best in the salmon without overpowering its natural taste. It’s fresh, bright, and light—a perfect meal for any time of year!

Perfectly Cooked Salmon: The salmon gets beautifully crisped on the outside while staying tender and flaky inside. It’s all about achieving that perfect texture, and this recipe nails it.

Quick and Easy: You won’t spend hours in the kitchen with this one. From start to finish, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying but not time-consuming.

Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors to suit your preferences. Add a little heat with chili flakes, or bring in a touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey for a glaze!

Optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: The garlic Parmesan asparagus is the ideal side—crispy, garlicky, and cheesy, adding a veggie side dish that’s just as exciting as the main event!

Ingredients

Let’s get into the magic of this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Lemon Pepper Salmon:

Salmon Fillets: The star of the show! You’ll want fresh, boneless salmon fillets for this recipe. Skin-on or skinless—your choice!

Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest for that bright, tangy flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.

Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for that signature peppery zing.

Olive Oil: To help the seasoning stick and get that nice, crispy sear.

Garlic: A little minced garlic for extra savory goodness.

Salt: To taste, of course!

Fresh Herbs: Optional, but fresh parsley or thyme adds a nice touch of color and flavor.

For the Garlic Parmesan Asparagus (Optional but highly recommended!):

Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and ready to go!

Garlic: Minced, to infuse that savory, garlicky flavor into the asparagus.

Olive Oil: For drizzling over the asparagus to roast to perfection.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that irresistible cheesy topping.

Salt and Pepper: To taste, to season the asparagus.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this dish:

1. Prepare the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick and give the salmon a nice sear. Season both sides of the fillets with a generous amount of lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and a sprinkle of salt. Don’t be shy with the lemon—it’s the highlight of this dish!

2. Cook the Salmon

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if you’re using skin-on). Let them cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through but still tender and flaky. You can check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork—it should easily come apart.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Asparagus (Optional)

While the salmon is cooking, prepare your asparagus. Trim off the tough ends and toss the asparagus in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread the asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until tender and slightly crisp at the tips.

4. Add Parmesan

Once the asparagus is done roasting, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and return it to the oven for another 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your perfectly cooked lemon pepper salmon alongside the garlic Parmesan asparagus (if you’re making it), and garnish with some fresh parsley or thyme for that pop of color. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Lemon Pepper Salmon

Lemon Pepper Salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are a few ideas:

Rice: Serve it with a side of rice—whether it’s a simple white rice or something like a fragrant lemon rice or coconut rice.

Roasted Vegetables: Aside from the garlic Parmesan asparagus, roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or even a mix of seasonal veggies would be a delicious addition to this meal.

Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier side, creamy mashed potatoes would complement the lightness of the salmon perfectly.

Salads: A fresh, crisp salad with lemony dressing will keep everything bright and fresh.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Fish: Fresh salmon really makes a difference in this dish. It has that vibrant, flaky texture that’s perfect for this simple recipe.

Customize the Seasoning: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes with the lemon pepper. A drizzle of honey would also give a sweet contrast to the tangy lemon.

Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon can go from tender to dry very quickly, so keep an eye on it while cooking. You want it just cooked through, still moist and flaky.

Make Ahead: You can season the salmon ahead of time, refrigerate it for up to 4 hours, and then cook it when ready. It’s perfect for prepping ahead for busy days!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the salmon properly before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without the asparagus?
A2: Of course! The salmon is fantastic on its own, but feel free to serve it with any side you like.

Q3: Can I cook the salmon in the oven instead of the skillet?
A3: Yes! Bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness.

Q4: Can I use another type of fish?
A4: Absolutely! This recipe works well with other firm fish like cod or halibut.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the texture.

Q6: Can I make the garlic Parmesan asparagus in advance?
A6: Yes, you can roast the asparagus ahead of time and reheat it in the oven before serving. Add the Parmesan just before serving to keep it fresh.

Q7: How can I add more flavor to the asparagus?
A7: Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of balsamic vinegar for an extra burst of flavor.

Q8: Can I cook the asparagus in the skillet instead of the oven?
A8: Yes, sauté the asparagus in olive oil and garlic over medium heat for about 7–10 minutes until tender.

Q9: How can I make this meal low-carb?
A9: Skip the rice and serve the salmon and asparagus with a side of mashed cauliflower or a green salad instead.

Q10: What wine pairs well with this dish?
A10: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the fresh flavors of the lemon pepper salmon.

Conclusion

This Lemon Pepper Salmon (with optional Garlic Parmesan Asparagus) is one of those dishes that’s both easy and elegant, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, it’s guaranteed to impress. The light, zesty flavors of the salmon combined with the rich, savory asparagus will leave you craving more. So, go ahead—give this recipe a try, and get ready for a dinner that’s delicious, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make!

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