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Best Lemon Butter Salmon Bake – Easy One-Pan Dinner

lemon butter salmon bake - featured image

This one-pan lemon butter salmon bake features tender, flaky salmon and roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes in a bright, buttery sauce. It’s an impressive yet simple dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, woody ends trimmed
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  4. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus. Halve the cherry tomatoes if large. Toss the asparagus and tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper directly on the baking sheet.
  5. Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the center, leaving space between each.
  6. Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet and some over the vegetables.
  7. Tuck the thin lemon slices around the salmon and vegetables.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature of 125-130°F at the thickest part).
  9. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top.
  10. Let the salmon rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, bring salmon to room temperature 15-20 minutes before cooking and pat dry with paper towels. If fillets vary in thickness, tuck thin ends under for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two baking sheets if needed. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a low oven or skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter salmon, one-pan salmon, baked salmon, salmon with asparagus, easy salmon recipe, dinner party salmon