Imagine a mouthwatering meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. This Salmon and Asparagus Sheet Pan recipe is your secret weapon for a quick, nutritious, and restaurant-quality dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep and cleanup, this one-pan wonder combines perfectly roasted salmon and tender-crisp asparagus, seasoned to perfection, making it the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who refuse to compromise on flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by snapping or cutting approximately 1-2 inches from the bottom. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevent steaming.
- Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and salmon fillets. Use your hands to evenly coat the vegetables and fish, ensuring they are lightly and uniformly covered.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over both the salmon and asparagus. Gently rub the seasonings to distribute them evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
- Check the salmon's internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part for safe consumption.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute in the salmon.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley, or dill before serving for added flavor.
Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful, crispy exterior.
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give your ingredients space to roast properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check salmon's internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest or fresh herbs like dill or parsley before roasting.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
- Choose asparagus spears of similar thickness for even cooking.
- For a low-carb, high-protein meal, this recipe is perfect for meal prep and health-conscious eating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg