Lemon Butter Salmon Asparagus Tray

$- 4 salmon fillets - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 2 lemons (1 sliced thinly and 1 juiced) The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. Salmon fillets are rich and tender, giving a nice base for flavor. Fresh asparagus adds a crisp texture and bright color. Butter brings richness, while lemons add zest and brightness. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings and aromatics elevate the dish. Garlic gives a warm aroma and depth. Dried oregano adds earthiness, while paprika brings a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - Fresh parsley Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It also enhances the dish's look when you serve it. A sprinkle right before serving makes your meal shine. To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. Next, take a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. Now, let’s get the salmon and asparagus ready. Place the salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet, skin-side down. Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the salmon. This setup allows flavors to mingle. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This butter sauce adds great flavor to both the salmon and asparagus. Drizzle the butter mixture generously over the salmon and asparagus. Top each salmon fillet with thin lemon slices for extra zing. Now, it’s time to bake. Transfer the tray to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by looking for flaky salmon. It should flake easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender yet crisp. When it’s done, take the tray out and let it sit for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To check for flakiness, use a fork. Gently poke the salmon. If it flakes easily, it's done. The recommended internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). This ensures the fish is safe and moist. You can add herbs or spices to boost the taste. Fresh dill or thyme works well. If you want a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes. For side dishes, roasted potatoes or a fresh salad pairs nicely. They balance the rich flavors of the salmon. Using parchment paper makes cleanup quick. Just remove the paper and toss it away. For storing leftovers, place salmon and asparagus in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. {{image_2}} If you want to change things up, you can use chicken or tofu. Chicken breasts work well here. Simply cook them like the salmon. Tofu is a great plant-based option. Press it to remove extra moisture and cut it into thick slices. You can flavor it just like the salmon with the butter sauce. Both options add nice variety to your meal. You can also add seasonal vegetables to your tray. Bell peppers and zucchini are great choices. Slice them into bite-sized pieces. They roast well and add color to your dish. Toss them with the butter sauce too, for more flavor. You can mix and match with your favorite veggies. To change the flavor profile, try using different citrus fruits. Oranges and limes can add a fun twist. Squeeze their juice into the butter sauce. You can also use lime slices on the fish. This will brighten up the dish and make it exciting. Experimenting with flavors keeps things fresh and fun! After you enjoy your lemon butter salmon and asparagus, it’s smart to store leftovers properly. Let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salmon and asparagus fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. You can also freeze leftovers if you want to save them longer. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. When stored this way, it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them the right way is key. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave. Just heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overcooking. This keeps your salmon flaky and your asparagus crisp. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it first. Place the salmon in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, put it in cold water for about an hour. This recipe works well with thawed salmon. The cooking time may change slightly, so watch for doneness. To check if the salmon is done, use a fork. Gently flake the fish in the thickest part. If it flakes easily, it is done. The inside should look opaque and not shiny. You can also use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 145°F (63°C). This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice: Lemon or garlic rice adds a nice touch. - Potatoes: Try roasted or mashed potatoes for comfort. - Salad: A fresh green salad balances the meal. - Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread works well too. For drinks, consider: - White wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish. - Sparkling water: Add fresh lemon for a refreshing drink. This blog post covered how to make a tasty lemon butter salmon and asparagus tray. You learned about the main ingredients, including salmon, asparagus, and seasonings. I shared easy steps for preparation and cooking, along with tips for perfecting the dish. We explored fun variations and how to store leftovers safely. Cooking should be simple and fun. With these steps, you can impress family and friends. Enjoy your cooking journey and relish the flavors!$

Lemon Butter Salmon Asparagus Tray

Discover the deliciousness of Lemon Butter Salmon & Asparagus Tray! This easy recipe combines tender salmon fillets with crisp asparagus, all drizzled in a zesty lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it takes only 25 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Elevate your meal with fresh ingredients and simple steps. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your loved ones tonight!

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Ingredients

4 salmon fillets

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 lemons (1 sliced thinly and 1 juiced)

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Place the salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet, skin-side down. Arrange the asparagus around the salmon.

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Drizzle the butter mixture generously over both the salmon and asparagus.

Top each salmon fillet with lemon slices for added flavor and presentation.

Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender yet crisp.

Once done, remove the tray from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4