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Crispy Baked Salmon with Asparagus

crispy baked salmon with asparagus - featured image

A quick, easy, and protein-packed meal featuring perfectly crispy salmon skin and tender roasted asparagus, ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each, skin-on)
  • 1 bunch asparagus spears (approximately 1215 spears), trimmed and washed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim off the tough, woody ends of the asparagus (about 1–2 inches). Place the spears on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, half the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer on one side of the sheet pan.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Rub the remaining olive oil and lemon juice over the flesh side. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) over the salmon, focusing on the skin side. Place the fillets skin-side down on the other side of the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
  4. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the skin is golden and crispy. The asparagus should be tender but still have a slight bite.
  5. If desired, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  6. Serve immediately, sprinkling chopped fresh herbs over the salmon and asparagus. Optionally, add lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly to ensure crispy skin. Use high heat (425°F) for best results. Do not flip salmon during baking. Rotate baking sheet halfway if oven heats unevenly. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a low oven to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving to keep skin crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, baked salmon, crispy salmon skin, asparagus, healthy dinner, quick meal, protein-packed, gluten-free, dairy-free