One-Pan Lemon Salmon
Tender salmon fillets and crisp asparagus on a single tray, finished with lemon and a drizzle of garlic butter.
Salmon is the dinner I cook when I want something quick, healthy, and put together with almost no thought. Twenty-five minutes, one tray, and the only washing-up is the pan you melted the butter in.
Asparagus is what I use most often, but green beans or broccolini both work without changing the timing.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 150g / 5 oz each)
- 500g (1 lb) asparagus, woody ends trimmed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon, plus extra wedges
- Small handful of fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss the asparagus with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper on a large rimmed baking tray. Spread to the edges.
- Pat the salmon dry, rub with the remaining olive oil, and season. Nestle the fillets among the asparagus.
- Roast for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the asparagus is just tender.
- While the tray is in the oven, melt the butter in a small pan with the garlic. Cook gently for 1 minute, then stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- Spoon the garlic butter over the salmon and asparagus, scatter with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Cooking tips
- Salmon is done when it flakes but still looks slightly translucent in the middle — it carries on cooking off the heat.
- Thick fillets need closer to 15 minutes; thin tails closer to 10.
- Leftover salmon is great flaked into a grain bowl or a wrap for lunch.
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