Description
This Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus recipe offers a quick and gourmet meal perfect for a healthy dinner. The salmon fillets are marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then baked alongside tender asparagus for a flavorful, nutritious dish ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 whole Lemon (Juiced and zested)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tbsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tbsp Dried Thyme
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- 1 tsp Salt (Sea salt recommended)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Asparagus (Trimmed at woody ends)
- 4 fillets Salmon (4-6 oz each, skin-on)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together thoroughly to create a vibrant marinade that will infuse the salmon with fresh, herbal flavors.
- Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish or large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Allow the fish to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature, permitting the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Asparagus: While the salmon marinates, trim the woody ends off the asparagus and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper to complement the salmon.
- Arrange Salmon and Asparagus: Nestle the marinated salmon fillets skin-side down among the asparagus on the baking sheet. Spoon any remaining marinade over the asparagus to enhance flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake the Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender yet crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and transfer salmon and asparagus to plates. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for a fresh, light gourmet meal.
Notes
- Marinate the salmon for exactly 10 minutes to avoid the acid in the lemon juice from overcooking the fish.
- Use fresh asparagus for the best taste and texture, trimming the woody ends before cooking.
- If preferred, you can substitute dried herbs with fresh parsley and thyme for a brighter flavor.
- For even cooking, ensure asparagus and salmon are spaced evenly on the baking sheet.
- Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
