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For this dish, I use four salmon fillets. Each fillet weighs about six ounces. Fresh salmon makes the meal rich and tasty. Look for fillets with bright color and no fishy smell. This ensures quality and freshness in your dish. You will need one bunch of asparagus, trimmed to remove the tough ends. Asparagus adds a nice crunch and color. Choose firm, bright green stalks for the best results. They should snap when bent, showing they are fresh and ready to cook. The marinade is key to flavor. You will need three tablespoons of olive oil. This helps the marinade stick and adds richness. You also need the juice of one lemon for zesty brightness. I like to slice a second lemon for garnish. You will need four minced garlic cloves. Garlic gives the dish a nice depth of flavor. Fresh thyme leaves and chopped rosemary add herbal notes. Use two teaspoons of each for the best taste. Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This mix creates a savory, tangy coating that enhances the salmon and asparagus. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for cooking salmon and asparagus. While your oven warms up, grab a large sheet pan. Line it with parchment paper. This makes cleaning easy and helps your food cook evenly. Now, let’s make the marinade. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, and 2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon into the bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you want a bit of heat, toss in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix everything well. This mix adds great flavor to the salmon and asparagus. Next, place the salmon fillets on one side of the sheet pan. Put the trimmed asparagus on the other side. Brush the marinade over the salmon fillets. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the asparagus and toss it lightly. Lay lemon slices on top of the salmon for extra flavor and a nice look. Bake everything in the oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the asparagus should be tender yet bright. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes before you enjoy this delightful dish. To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, aim for a cook time of 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by gently pressing the fillet with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. Using a meat thermometer can help too. Salmon's internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you prefer a more tender texture, you can cook it for a shorter time, around 10 to 12 minutes. You can amp up the flavors with a few extra touches. Consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of dill for a different twist. If you like spice, include red pepper flakes in the marinade. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also work well. You can experiment with flavors to find your perfect balance. Make your dish look as good as it tastes. Serve the salmon and asparagus on a large platter. Add fresh herbs and lemon slices on top for color. Drizzling a bit of extra olive oil right before serving can add shine. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the look and taste. Your guests will be impressed by the beautiful presentation! {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe. Try adding bell peppers, green beans, or zucchini. These veggies add color and taste. You can also swap salmon for chicken breasts or shrimp. Just adjust your cook time slightly. Chicken needs a bit longer, while shrimp cooks faster. Mix it up with your marinades. Try honey mustard for a sweet touch. You can also use soy sauce and ginger for an Asian twist. Another great option is a yogurt-based marinade with herbs. Just remember to keep the oil and lemon juice for moisture. Pair this dish with simple sides. Rice or quinoa works well. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. You can also serve crusty bread to soak up the tasty juices. For a heartier meal, add roasted potatoes or a veggie medley. These sides make the meal feel complete and satisfying. To keep your salmon and asparagus fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the salmon and asparagus in the container without overlapping. This will help maintain their texture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool them to room temperature before sealing. If you want to save your meal for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze the asparagus in a separate bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. Be sure to label the bags with the date for easy tracking. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just remember to cover the dish. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Bake salmon on a sheet pan for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. This time works well at 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on the salmon to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it first in the fridge overnight. This way, it cooks evenly. If you use frozen salmon, increase the bake time by a few minutes. Check for doneness to ensure it’s fully cooked. You can use green beans, broccoli, or zucchini instead of asparagus. Each vegetable adds its own flavor and texture. Choose what you love or have on hand. Adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. In this article, we explored how to prepare a delicious salmon dish with fresh asparagus. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to ensure your salmon cooks perfectly and how to enhance flavors. We also looked at fun variations and storage advice for leftovers. To wrap up, this recipe makes a tasty meal that’s easy to enjoy any day. Try it out and taste the joy of cooking!

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Salmon & Asparagus

Elevate your dinner experience with this zesty lemon herb salmon and asparagus delight! In just 25 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Discover how to perfectly bake salmon fillets alongside vibrant asparagus, all enhanced by a fresh herb marinade. Ready to impress at your next meal? Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to bring this delightful dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 sliced for garnish)

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

    In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, juice of 1 lemon, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create a marinade.

      Place the salmon fillets on one side of the sheet pan and the trimmed asparagus on the other side.

        Brush the marinade generously over the salmon fillets and drizzle over the asparagus. Toss the asparagus lightly to coat.

          Arrange the lemon slices over the salmon fillets for added flavor and garnish.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender but still vibrant in color.

              Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salmon and asparagus on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and additional lemon slices for a pop of color. Consider drizzling a little extra olive oil or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.