Smoky Herb-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus
Perfectly seared salmon fillets with a fragrant herb crust, paired with tender asparagus spears roasted to caramelized edges. This seafood (high-protein, low-carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs salmon fillets, avocado oil, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 1, 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.
Ingredients
- 6 oz salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup asparagus
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 6 oz salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Step 3: Add 1/4 cup asparagus spears to the skillet, nestling them around the salmon. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 10-12 minutes until salmon reaches 125°F internally and asparagus is tender-crisp with light browning.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Herb-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Smoky Herb-Glazed Salmon with Roasted 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 salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Herb-Glazed Salmon with Roasted 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 Smoky Herb-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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.
Is Smoky Herb-Glazed Salmon with Roasted Asparagus high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
