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Flavorful Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe with Asparagus Easy and Perfect

honey garlic butter baked salmon - featured image

A quick and easy honey garlic butter baked salmon with asparagus recipe that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and buttery flavors. Ideal for busy weeknights or dinner parties, this one-pan dish is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed and washed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60 g), melted
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  3. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus (about 1-2 inches). Arrange asparagus in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space for the salmon fillets. Toss lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet next to the asparagus. Pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Brush the honey garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon and asparagus using a spoon or basting brush.
  6. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) and asparagus is tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
  8. Optional: Switch oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden finish, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with a wedge of lemon.

Notes

Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option and maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan glaze. If asparagus is out of season, substitute with green beans or broccolini. Avoid overbaking salmon to keep it moist. Rest salmon after baking for best texture. Broil briefly at the end for a golden crust but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic butter salmon, baked salmon recipe, asparagus recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy salmon, one-pan salmon, quick salmon recipe