Description
This elegant dish features perfectly cooked smoked salmon with a crispy golden crust, paired with tender roasted asparagus and drizzled with a zesty lemon butter sauce. Simple yet sophisticated, this restaurant-quality meal is packed with flavor, nutrients, and a touch of gourmet finesse.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon & Asparagus:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Asparagus:
- Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread them evenly on one side of the baking sheet.
- Season the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Place them skin-side down on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
- Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and fresh dill.
- Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Assemble & Serve:
- Plate the salmon and asparagus.
- Drizzle generously with lemon butter sauce.
- Garnish with extra dill and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crispy salmon, sear it in a hot pan for 2 minutes per side before baking.
- Swap dill for parsley or chives for a different herbaceous touch.
- Pair with quinoa, wild rice, or mashed cauliflower for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with asparagus
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: smoked salmon asparagus, baked salmon with asparagus, lemon butter salmon, healthy salmon recipes, keto salmon dish, easy salmon dinner