Baked Salmon with Lemon-Herb Crust and Grilled Asparagus
**Baked Salmon with Lemon-Herb Crust and Grilled Asparagus**
This recipe is a simple and delicious way to cook salmon. The salmon is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then roasted in the oven until cooked through. The asparagus is grilled until tender and slightly charred. Serve the salmon with the grilled asparagus and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
**Ingredients**
* 1 pound salmon fillet, skin-on
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
* 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
**Instructions**
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the salmon fillet with the marinade.
4. Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Roast the salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. While the salmon is cooking, grill the asparagus. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
7. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
8. Grill the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
9. Serve the salmon with the grilled asparagus and balsamic vinegar.
**The Backstory**
This recipe is inspired by the classic combination of salmon and lemon. I've added a few herbs to the marinade for extra flavor, and I like to grill the asparagus for a bit of smokiness. The result is a simple but delicious dish that's perfect for any occasion.
I first developed this recipe a few years ago when I was looking for a healthy and easy way to cook salmon. I experimented with different marinades and cooking methods, and I finally settled on this recipe. I've made it countless times since then, and it's always a hit with my family and friends.
**Why It Works**
* **The lemon-herb marinade helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful.** The lemon juice helps to brighten the flavor of the salmon, while the herbs add a touch of complexity.
* **Roasting the salmon in the oven helps to create a crispy skin.** The skin of the salmon will crisp up in the oven, while the flesh will remain moist and tender.
* **Grilling the asparagus adds a bit of smokiness to the dish.** The asparagus will develop a slightly charred flavor on the grill, which will complement the salmon perfectly.
* **The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity to the dish.** The balsamic vinegar will help to balance out the richness of the salmon and asparagus.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 25 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the salmon fillet with the marinade.
- Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the salmon for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, grill the asparagus. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the asparagus for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve the salmon with the grilled asparagus and balsamic vinegar.
Why It Works
- **The lemon-herb marinade helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful.**
- **Roasting the salmon in the oven helps to create a crispy skin.**
- **Grilling the asparagus adds a bit of smokiness to the dish.**
- **The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity to the dish.**