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Easy Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus: Best 20-Minute Dinner

sheet pan garlic butter salmon with asparagus - featured image

This Easy Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus is a quick, stress-free dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes. With flaky salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Rinse the asparagus and snap off the woody ends. Place the asparagus on one half of the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the other half of the sheet pan. Season the tops with salt and pepper.
  5. Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets, dividing it evenly. Squeeze half of the lemon over everything.
  6. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender but still have a little bite. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 125°F to 130°F.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven. Let it rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a better sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give the fillets space to roast. Check for doneness early as oven temperatures vary. For thin asparagus, check at the 10-minute mark. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan salmon, garlic butter salmon, asparagus salmon, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, one-pan meal