Baked Lemon-Pepper Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

This simple yet elegant dish combines the delicate flavor of salmon with the bright acidity of lemon and the earthy sweetness of roasted asparagus. The result is a well-balanced and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion.

The history of this dish is shrouded in mystery, but it is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of Europe. It is said that fishermen would often cook their catch over an open fire, using lemon and herbs to flavor the fish. Over time, this simple dish evolved into the more refined version that we know today.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillet
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
5. Season with black pepper and salt.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
7. While the salmon is roasting, prepare the asparagus.
8. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, minced garlic, and salt and pepper.
9. Roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender.
10. Top the salmon with the roasted asparagus and parsley.

Why It Works

• The combination of lemon and black pepper provides a bright and flavorful contrast to the rich salmon.
• Roasting the asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes its edges, adding a touch of complexity to the dish.
• The addition of fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a herbaceous aroma that complements the other ingredients.