If you want to impress your family or guests with a wonderful and delicious meal, try this one pan meal. It's quick and easy to make, and clean up is a snap. The Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter makes this an extra special dish.
Salmon and Asparagus:
2 lb. salmon filet, cut into six 6 oz. portions
2 lb. (about 2 bunches) asparagus, woody ends snapped off and discarded
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 T. olive oil
1 small lemon, sliced into rings, for garnish
Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter:
6 T. unsalted butter, softened (*see how to quick soften)
2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 small lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 T. fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 t. sea salt
¼ t. black pepper
Place oven rack in the top third of the oven. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, trimming the paper to just fit so it doesn't go over edges of pan to prevent the paper from charring under broiler.
Place salmon filets in a row down the center of the prepared baking pan. Arrange asparagus on the sides of the salmon. Drizzle asparagus lightly with olive oil; roll to coat. Sprinkle asparagus and salmon with salt and pepper.
Lemon-Garlic-Herb Butter:
In a medium bowl, use a fork to mash together all ingredients. It takes several minutes to come together, but keep mashing until it happens. A food processor could also be used.
Spoon ¾ of the flavored butter over the salmon; spread evenly. Dab remaining butter mix over the asparagus. Top each salmon filet with a slice of lemon. Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes. A thinner fillet will take 10 minutes and larger fillet takes 12 minutes. Set the oven to BROIL; bake 2-3 minutes to give the salmon a golden glow. Bake until salmon is flaky and cooked through.
6 servings.
*How to Speed-Soften Butter: Place wrapped stick of butter in airtight ziploc bag; submerge bag in warm (100˚F) water, placing a weight over the top so it doesn’t float. Let sit 10-15 minutes until softened.