Hi, I’m Hannah! We all have those nights where we want a dinner that feels elegant and special, but we have absolutely zero energy to cook. In fact, I used to think that cooking seafood was complicated and reserved for weekends. However, once I discovered how easy it is to roast fish on a sheet pan, everything changed. This One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon is my go-to “fancy but fast” meal. It comes together in just 20 minutes, looks beautiful on the plate, and requires barely any cleanup. Consequently, it has become a staple in my weekly rotation. It’s the perfect ‘good habit’ because it delivers a massive dose of healthy fats and protein with almost zero effort. It proves that fast food can be the healthiest food you eat all week.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Salmon
- Ready in 20 Minutes: First of all, this is one of the fastest meals on the blog. From prep to plate, you are done in under half an hour.
- One-Pan Cleanup: Additionally, the salmon and asparagus roast together on a single baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper, and you have virtually no dishes to wash.
- Healthy & Vibrant: Moreover, this dish is packed with Omega-3s and fiber-rich vegetables. It’s light, nutritious, and naturally low-carb.
- Restaurant Quality: Finally, the combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and butter creates a sauce that tastes sophisticated enough for a date night, yet it’s simple enough for a Tuesday.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on fresh, high-quality ingredients that do all the work for you.
- Salmon Fillets: To start, use fresh salmon fillets with the skin on or off, depending on your preference. Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse.
- Asparagus: Next, look for stalks that are firm and bright green. Asparagus roasts quickly, making it the perfect companion for fish.
- Lemon: In addition, we use both the juice and fresh slices. The acidity brightens up the rich fish and cuts through the butter.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Furthermore, a mix of melted butter and olive oil gives us the best of both worlds: rich flavor and a higher smoke point for roasting.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that savory kick.
- Herbs: Finally, a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and fresh parsley adds a garden-fresh aroma.
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon
This method is foolproof. The full, detailed recipe is in the recipe card below.
- Prep the Pan: First, preheat your oven and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the Veggies: Next, place the trimmed asparagus on one side of the pan. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat.
- Place the Salmon: Then, arrange the salmon fillets on the other side of the pan (or nestled between the veggies).
- Make the Sauce: After that, in a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs.
- Drizzle & Roast: Brush the herb butter mixture generously over the salmon fillets. Subsequently, place lemon slices on top for a beautiful finish.
- Bake: Finally, roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the salmon is flaky and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Roasted Salmon
- Don’t Overcook the Fish: Most importantly, salmon cooks very fast. It is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque pink. Therefore, check it at the 10-minute mark to ensure it stays moist and buttery.
- Trim Asparagus Easily: Specifically, to prep asparagus, hold a stalk at both ends and bend it gently. It will naturally snap where the woody part ends. As a result, you get perfectly tender stalks every time.
- Customize Your Veggies: For instance, if you aren’t a fan of asparagus, green beans or broccoli florets work wonderfully here too. Just ensure you cut them into sizes that will cook in about 12 minutes.
- Broil for Color: Although baking cooks the fish perfectly, if you want a little color on top, switch the oven to “Broil” for the last 1-2 minutes. Consequently, the garlic butter will get bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I know when salmon is done? The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). However, many chefs prefer taking it out at 135°F (57°C) and letting it rest, as it continues to cook from residual heat.
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, absolutely. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Otherwise, it will cook unevenly and release too much water.
- Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, it is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. In fact, it’s a perfect meal for almost any healthy diet plan.
More Simple & Healthy Dinners You’ll Love
- Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas (Perfect for Healthy Meal Prep)
- The Best Healthy Tuscan Chicken (30-Minute Recipe)
- Perfect Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter (10-Minute Recipe)
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One-Pan Lemon Herb Salmon Recipe
Lemon Herb Salmon! This easy 20-minute dinner features tender roasted salmon and asparagus with a garlic butter sauce, all made on a single sheet pan.
Equipment
- Large Rimmed Baking Sheet
- Small Bowl
- Pastry Brush
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 1 lb asparagus woody ends trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon sliced into rounds
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange: Next, place the asparagus on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and push to one side.
- Place Salmon: Then, place the salmon fillets on the sheet pan. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Season: After that, brush the mixture generously over the salmon fillets. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
- Roast: Finally, bake for 10-15 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the salmon is cooked through. Garnish with parsley and serve.
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