As an experienced American food blogger, I’m always on the hunt for dinner ideas that deliver restaurant‑quality flavor with minimal cleanup. This One‑Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon with Asparagus ticks all the boxes: it’s bright, zesty, protein‑packed, and comes together in under half an hour. I love throwing everything on a sheet pan, seasoning in a snap, and letting the oven do the work. Here’s my trusted method:

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skin on

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, woody ends snapped off

• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 2 Tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil

• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp sea salt, divided

• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided

• ½ tsp red‑pepper flakes (optional)

• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step‑by‑Step Process

1. Preheat & Prep Sheet Pan
   Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

2. Season the Asparagus
   Toss asparagus spears in half the olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and a pinch of pepper. Spread them in a single layer on one side of the sheet pan.

3. Mix Lemon‑Garlic Butter
   In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, remaining olive oil, lemon zest, juice, minced garlic, and red‑pepper flakes until emulsified.

4. Arrange Salmon & Brush
   Place salmon fillets skin‑side down on the other half of the pan. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon‑garlic mixture, reserving a tablespoon for serving.

5. Roast to Perfection
   Slide the pan into the oven. Roast for 12–15 minutes, until asparagus is tender‑crisp and salmon flakes easily with a fork. (Internal temperature should reach 125–130 °F for medium doneness.)

6. Finish & Garnish
   Remove from oven, drizzle reserved lemon‑garlic butter over salmon, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Why This Works

• High Heat, Minimal Time: Roasting at 425 °F gives you crisp asparagus and moist salmon in parallel—no overcooked veggies or dry fish.

• Balanced Flavor: The bright lemon cuts through the butter’s richness, while garlic and parsley add savory depth and freshness.

• One‑Pan Cleanup: Less time washing dishes means more time relaxing after dinner.

Pro Tips

• Bring salmon to room temperature for even cooking.

• Use thick‑stalk asparagus for best texture—thin spears can overcook.

• Swap parsley for dill or chives to vary the herb profile.

This one‑pan wonder has become my go‑to for busy weeknights and impresses company with virtually no extra effort. Give it a try, and you’ll see why simplicity paired with bold flavors is the secret to any home‑cook’s success. Enjoy!