Juicy Flaky Salmon Baked in Garlic Butter Sauce with Fresh Lemon (Print Version)

Tender salmon and asparagus baked on one pan with lemon, garlic, butter, paprika, and parsley.

# Ingredients:

For the salmon and asparagus

01 - 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
02 - 1 lb (450 g) asparagus, woody ends trimmed
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the lemon garlic butter

08 - 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon cut into small pats
09 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
13 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Place the asparagus on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with about 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Toss and spread into an even layer.
03 - Pat the salmon dry. Nestle the fillets among the asparagus and season with the remaining salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
04 - In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon parsley, and red pepper flakes if using.
05 - Spoon the lemon garlic butter over the salmon and asparagus. Top each fillet with lemon slices and a small pat of butter.
06 - Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Fish should reach 145°F for food safety.
07 - For a lightly golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching closely. Spoon pan juices over the salmon and finish with the remaining parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Best with salmon fillets of similar thickness.
02 - Thin asparagus may cook faster, so add it halfway through baking if needed.
03 - Nutrition is an estimate per serving.