BAKED SALMON WITH ASPARAGUS

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Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets (about 170g each)
  • 1 bunch of asparagus (trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Prepare the asparagus: Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and place them on one side of a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and half of the minced garlic. Toss to coat.
  3. Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the other side of the baking sheet. Drizzle the fillets with the remaining olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle with lemon zest, thyme, the rest of the minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender but slightly crisp.
  5. Remove from the oven, and garnish the salmon with lemon slices and fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the salmon and asparagus with a side of quinoa, rice, or roasted potatoes.
  • For a creamy touch, serve with a light lemon or garlic yogurt sauce.

Tips:

  • If you like your asparagus extra crispy, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or baby carrots to the baking sheet for extra color and flavor.
  • For a more decadent version, add a drizzle of melted butter over the salmon before baking.