Half-Pan Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender roasted salmon fillets paired with asparagus spears cooked in garlic butter on the same pan for a balanced and flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, trimmed asparagus spears, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, arrange 2 salmon fillets skin-side down on one half.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1/2 lb trimmed asparagus spears with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then spread on the other half of the baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Remove butter from heat, stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets and asparagus.
  6. Step 6: Roast in the oven for 12-15 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and asparagus is tender-crisp.
  7. Step 7: Garnish the salmon with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Pan Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Half-Pan Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Pan Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Half-Pan Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Half-Pan Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Asparagus?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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