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- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed - 3 cloves garlic, minced Salmon is the star of this dish. It provides healthy fats and protein. Choose fresh salmon for the best flavor. Asparagus adds a nice crunch and vibrant color. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The marinade is key to this recipe. It brightens up the salmon and asparagus. Lemon zest and juice bring a fresh tang. Olive oil adds richness. Thyme and paprika give depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishing with parsley makes the dish pop. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also use other herbs if you like. Enjoy your meal looking as good as it tastes! - Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the salmon and asparagus cook well. - Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix adds flavor and moisture to the salmon. - How to marinate the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish. Pour half of the marinade over the salmon. Make sure the fillets are well coated. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak into the fish. - Arranging asparagus and salmon: On a large baking sheet, lay out the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the asparagus and toss gently. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. After that, make space by pushing the asparagus to one side and place the marinated salmon fillets skin side down on the sheet. - Baking temperature and time guidelines: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. The asparagus will be tender and vibrant. To adjust flavors in the marinade, you can play with the lemon juice. Want it zestier? Add more lemon juice or zest. If you like it a bit sweet, try adding honey. You can also swap the thyme for rosemary or dill. Each herb brings a new taste to the dish. To ensure perfect salmon texture, watch the cooking time closely. Salmon cooks fast, so check it at 15 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. Overcooking can lead to dry fish, so pull it from the oven when it's almost done. It will keep cooking a bit after you take it out. For the best accompaniments, consider serving with rice or quinoa. These grains soak up the flavors well. You can also add a fresh salad on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. If you want a richer side, try garlic mashed potatoes. They complement the salmon and asparagus perfectly. {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in this dish. Broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers work well. You can even add cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Each veggie brings a unique taste and texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Thicker veggies may need more time to cook. Want to try something different? You can use other fish like trout or cod. Chicken breasts also work great with this marinade. If you prefer meat, try thin pork chops. Just ensure they have even cooking times. This way, you keep the meal simple and tasty. Feel free to mix up the spices! A pinch of crushed red pepper gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs like dill or basil add a lovely note. You can also try a splash of soy sauce for a twist. These changes can really elevate your dish. Experimenting with flavors makes cooking fun! To store leftovers safely, let the dish cool first. Place the salmon and asparagus in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate the salmon from the asparagus if you want to keep them fresh longer. This way, they won’t get mushy. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. Check that the salmon is warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave. If you do, cover the food with a damp paper towel. This keeps it from drying out. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These types keep food fresh and safe. Look for containers with tight lids to avoid spills. You can also use silicone bags for easy storage. They are great for keeping food fresh and are eco-friendly. You should marinate salmon for 15 to 20 minutes. This time is just right to let the flavors soak in. If you marinate it too long, the fish can become mushy. The acid from the lemon juice can change the texture. So, keep it simple and don’t rush. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Frozen salmon can taste just as good as fresh. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, seal it in a bag and run cold water over it. Once thawed, follow the same steps for marinating and cooking. You can serve many sides with this dish. Here are a few great options: - Rice: Plain white or brown rice works well. - Quinoa: For a nutty flavor and extra protein. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch. - Bread: A slice of crusty bread is always nice. Choose any of these sides to make a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking! This blog post highlighted how to make lemon garlic salmon with asparagus. We discussed the main ingredients, including salmon and asparagus, along with key marinade components. You learned about preparation, marination, and baking steps. Tips on perfecting the flavors and cooking techniques followed. We also covered variations in vegetables and proteins and provided storage information. Cooking this dish can be easy and enjoyable. I encourage you to try it and make adjustments as needed!

Lemon Garlic Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan

Savor the flavors of our Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon & Asparagus Delight! This easy recipe features succulent salmon fillets paired with tender asparagus, all drizzled in a tangy lemon garlic marinade. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. Ready in just 35 minutes! Click to explore the full recipe and impress your family tonight. #SalmonRecipes #HealthyEating #EasyDinnerIdeas #LemonGarlicDelight
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Ingredients
  

2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

      Marinate the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.

        Arrange the Asparagus: On a large baking sheet, arrange the trimmed asparagus in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the asparagus and toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

          Add Salmon to the Sheet: Make space on the baking sheet by pushing the asparagus to one side. Place the marinated salmon fillets on the sheet, skin side down.

            Bake the Dish: Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender.

              Serve: Remove from the oven, squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 35 min | 2 servings