Oven-baked lemon herb salmon with asparagus

Craving a Delicious and Healthy Dinner? Try Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with Asparagus!

Looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner option? Look no further! This oven-baked lemon herb salmon with asparagus recipe is a winner. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and is incredibly nutritious. Imagine flaky salmon infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, paired with tender-crisp asparagus. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

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Making the Perfect Lemon Herb Salmon

The key to amazing oven-baked salmon lies in the quality of your ingredients and a few simple techniques. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create a dish that will impress your family and friends.

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Choosing the Right Salmon

Selecting the right salmon is crucial. Here’s what to look for:

• Freshness: Choose salmon that smells fresh and doesn’t have a strong fishy odor.
• Color: Look for vibrant color, whether it’s the deep red of sockeye or the lighter pink of Atlantic salmon.
• Skin On or Off: Both work! Skin-on salmon tends to be more flavorful and stays moister during baking, but skinless is also a great option.
• Wild-Caught vs. Farmed: Both are good choices, but wild-caught salmon is generally leaner and higher in omega-3 fatty acids.

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Creating the Lemon Herb Marinade

The marinade is where the magic happens! A simple combination of lemon, herbs, and olive oil elevates the salmon to a whole new level.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• Olive oil
• Chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, thyme, and rosemary are all great options)
• Garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Simply whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl and pour over the salmon fillets. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or even longer for more intense flavor.

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Roasting Asparagus to Perfection

Asparagus is the perfect accompaniment to salmon. Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and creates a delightful crispy texture.

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Preparing the Asparagus

Here’s how to get your asparagus ready for roasting:

1. Wash and dry: Thoroughly wash the asparagus and pat it dry.
2. Trim the ends: Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. They’ll naturally break where they’re no longer tender.
3. Toss with olive oil and seasoning: Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.

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Baking Salmon and Asparagus Together

Now for the easy part! Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven.

Here’s a simple recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Place the marinated salmon fillets on one side of the baking sheet and the seasoned asparagus on the other.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon and Asparagus

Want to take your dish to the next level? Here are a few extra tips:

• Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon is dry and tough. Use a fork to check for doneness – it should flake easily.
• Adjust baking time based on thickness: Thicker salmon fillets will require a longer baking time.
• Add extra lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salmon and asparagus after baking brightens up the flavors.
• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs to find your favorite combination.
• Serve with a side: This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a simple salad.

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Conclusion

Oven-baked lemon herb salmon with asparagus is a simple, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. So, grab your salmon and asparagus, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal! Now that you know how easy it is, why not try it tonight? For more delicious and healthy recipes, check out our other blog posts!