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Easy Crispy Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus Sheet Pan Recipe for Perfect Dinner

easy crispy lemon herb salmon - featured image

A quick and fuss-free sheet pan recipe featuring crispy skin salmon and tender asparagus infused with lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for a nourishing and elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed and cleaned
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt to taste (coarse sea salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese for sprinkling over asparagus

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed 12×17-inch sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Trim tough ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches). Place asparagus in a mixing bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, half the lemon zest, half the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and half the chopped herbs. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Pat each salmon fillet dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  4. Rub the salmon flesh side with remaining olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Avoid seasoning the skin heavily.
  5. Spread the asparagus in a single even layer on the sheet pan, leaving space for the salmon fillets.
  6. Place salmon fillets skin-side down next to the asparagus, ensuring the skin is flat against the pan for even crisping.
  7. Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp. Adjust time based on thickness.
  8. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over salmon and asparagus immediately after removing from oven. Sprinkle remaining fresh herbs on top.
  9. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan over asparagus right after baking.
  10. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy skin and tender vegetables.

Notes

Pat salmon skin dry thoroughly before cooking to achieve crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. If asparagus cooks faster, toss halfway or place salmon where heat is gentler. Let salmon rest a few minutes after cooking for juiciness. Optional to sear salmon skin side down in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes before roasting for extra crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon herb salmon, crispy salmon, sheet pan recipe, asparagus, healthy dinner, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe