Some weeknight heroes save the day with sheer convenience. Others manage to taste like you spent hours, yet took mere minutes. This Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake truly falls into that latter, wonderful category. The salmon becomes beautifully tender. Furthermore, it pairs perfectly with bright, garlicky vegetables roasted right alongside it.
I often pull this sheet pan dinner out when I need something healthy fast. My family devours every last crumb, truly. You will be shocked by the depth of flavor for such simple preparation.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe earns its top spot for busy schedules. It delivers incredible taste with almost no cleanup. Seriously, just one pan doing all the work!
- Speed Factor: Total time under 30 minutes is a win.
- Flavor Bomb: That zesty lemon and savory garlic combination sings.
- Healthy Heart: Packed with omega-3s and fresh veggies.
Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake Ingredients
The beauty of this simple flavor profile lies in its core components. Freshness is truly the secret ingredient here, making every bite sing.
We rely on quality salmon fillets for that moist texture. Next, garlic brings aromatic depth to everything it touches. Fresh lemon provides necessary acid and brightness to cut through the richness. Asparagus and cherry tomatoes offer vibrant color and great texture contrast. Finally, dried dill adds an herbaceous, subtle note unique to seafood.
Substitutions and Tips
- Herb Swap: Feel free to swap dill for dried thyme or fresh parsley.
- For extra zing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your oil mixture.
- If asparagus is out of season, broccoli florets work beautifully in this baked salmon and vegetables recipe.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
Step 1
First, get your oven heat just right. Preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lining your baking sheet saves so much scrubbing later. Parchment paper is your best friend here.
Step 2
Now, create that magic marinade base. In a small bowl, whisk up the olive oil. Combine it well with the minced garlic. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and that dill.
Step 3
Position your main stars onto the sheet pan. Place the salmon fillets neatly on one half. Keep them nicely spaced out, please.
Step 4
Next, add the colorful supporting cast. Arrange the trimmed asparagus and cherry tomatoes beside the fish. They need room to roast properly.
Step 5
Time to coat everything evenly now. Pour that wonderful lemon-garlic mixture over all ingredients. Gently toss those vegetables around to coat them well.
Step 6
We need to add visual appeal too. Place thin slices of fresh lemon directly over the salmon pieces. This infuses extra moisture.
Step 7
Bake these treasures until done. This usually takes 12 to 18 minutes, easily. Check the salmon’s internal temp for safety. You want 145 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect flakiness.
Step 8
Serve this quick weeknight meal right away. Enjoy the fruits of your minimal labor immediately.
How to Store Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
Leftovers of this easy salmon recipe store well. Place any remaining baked salmon and vegetables in an airtight container. Keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freezing is not ideal for the quality of the roasted vegetables. However, frozen salmon reheats okay if vacuum sealed tightly. Enjoying this fresh is always best for texture.
Tips for Success
- Always pat the salmon fillets dry first. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
- Cut thicker vegetables, like asparagus stalks, uniformly. This ensures even cooking times.
- Use fresh garlic always; dried garlic powder just won’t give the same punch.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Crowding steams the food instead of roasting it.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large rimmed baking sheet is essential for this method.
- Parchment paper saves cleanup time wonderfully.
- A small bowl for mixing up that zesty marinade.
- Tongs or spatulas help with gentle tossing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake over fluffy couscous.
- A side of steamed green beans offers extra crunch.
- For drinks, try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water.
- Garnish everything with fresh parsley right before serving for brightness.
Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-18 minutes
- Total Time: 22-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking (Tray Bake)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray Bake featuring salmon fillets, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes, all roasted together on one pan for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, half thinly sliced, half juiced
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried dill.
- Place salmon fillets on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Arrange asparagus and cherry tomatoes on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the salmon, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes. Toss the vegetables gently to coat.
- Place lemon slices over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F/63°C) and vegetables are tender-crisp. Cooking time will vary based on salmon thickness.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cooking time for the salmon may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
