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Easy 30-Minute Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus

easy 30-minute lemon garlic salmon with asparagus - featured image

A quick and delicious sheet pan salmon recipe with lemon, garlic, and asparagus, ready in 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 pound, woody ends trimmed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for asparagus)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for asparagus)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for asparagus)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for asparagus)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Lemon zest (for garnish, optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Stir to combine and let sit for a minute.
  3. Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (if using). Spread on one side of the sheet pan in a single layer.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place on the other side of the sheet pan, leaving space between each. Drizzle the garlic oil mixture over the fillets, coating evenly.
  5. Lay thin lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets (2-3 slices per piece).
  6. Roast for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C) and the asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
  7. Optional: Switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a caramelized top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let the salmon rest on the sheet pan for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Serve immediately with extra lemon juice squeezed over the top.

Notes

Bring salmon to room temperature 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Pat salmon dry for better browning. Adjust cooking time based on salmon thickness. For thicker asparagus, give a 3-4 minute head start in the oven. Double the garlic oil mixture for extra sauce. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes or in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice. Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic salmon, sheet pan salmon, asparagus, quick dinner, healthy, 30-minute meal, weeknight dinner