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Easy Spring Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

spring baked salmon - featured image

This spring baked salmon with lemon garlic butter is a quick and easy one-pan meal that delivers perfectly flaky fish and tender-crisp vegetables in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 1 lb (450g) asparagus, woody ends trimmed
  • 1 cup (150g) snap peas, trimmed
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, take the salmon out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Make the lemon garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: Trim the woody ends off the asparagus and trim the snap peas if needed. Spread them in your baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Place the fillets on top of the vegetables, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
  5. Add the lemon slices and butter: Tuck the lemon slices around the salmon and vegetables. Pour the lemon garlic butter evenly over the salmon fillets and vegetables.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The vegetables should be tender-crisp.
  7. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden, caramelized top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let the salmon rest in the dish for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature salmon and pat dry before seasoning. If broiling, watch the garlic closely to prevent burning. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon garlic butter, spring recipe, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy salmon, asparagus, snap peas