How to Make Grilled Salmon with Garlic Butter and Roasted Asparagus

1. Introduction – A Healthy and Flavorful Seafood Dish

Grilled salmon with garlic butter and roasted asparagus is a simple yet elegant meal that’s packed with flavor, healthy fats, and nutrients. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, offering a delicious balance of crispy, flaky salmon and tender, roasted asparagus.

With the richness of garlic butter, the light char from grilling, and the natural sweetness of asparagus, this meal is both nutritious and restaurant-quality. Plus, it’s quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes!

Craving a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make meal? This grilled salmon with garlic butter and roasted asparagus is the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal. The rich, buttery garlic sauce enhances the natural flavors of the tender, flaky salmon, while the perfectly roasted asparagus adds a fresh and nutritious touch.

2. Essential Ingredients for Grilled Salmon and Asparagus

1. Salmon (The Star of the Dish)

✔ 2 salmon fillets (skin-on for extra crispiness)
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✔ ½ teaspoon salt
✔ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
✔ ½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne (for extra flavor)

2. Garlic Butter Sauce (For Richness & Flavor)

✔ 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
✔ 2 cloves garlic (minced)
✔ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
✔ 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)

3. Roasted Asparagus (A Perfect Side Dish)

✔ 1 bunch asparagus (trimmed)
✔ 1 tablespoon olive oil
✔ ½ teaspoon salt & pepper
✔ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
✔ Juice of ½ lemon

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Salmon with Asparagus

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave.
2. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
3. Set aside for brushing on the salmon.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika for a light smoky flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Salmon

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
2. Place salmon skin-side down and grill for 4-5 minutes.
3. Flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
4. In the last 2 minutes, brush with garlic butter sauce.

Step 4: Roast the Asparagus

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until tender.
4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the asparagus before serving.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Plate the grilled salmon with roasted asparagus.
2. Drizzle extra garlic butter over the salmon.
3. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

4. Best Variations of Grilled Salmon & Asparagus

1. Spicy Cajun Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

✔ Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika.
✔ Serve with a side of avocado salsa.

2. Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

✔ Add 1 tablespoon honey to the garlic butter sauce for sweetness.

3. Lemon Herb Salmon with Parmesan Asparagus

✔ Add fresh rosemary & thyme to the salmon.
✔ Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the roasted asparagus.

4. Pesto Salmon with Balsamic Asparagus

✔ Top grilled salmon with basil pesto before serving.
✔ Drizzle balsamic glaze over asparagus.

5. Tips & Tricks for the Best Grilled Salmon & Asparagus

✅ Use Fresh Salmon for the Best Flavor

✔ Wild-caught salmon is more flavorful and healthier than farm-raised.

✅ Let the Salmon Rest Before Serving

✔ Let salmon sit for 2-3 minutes after grilling for juicier fillets.

✅ Don’t Overcook the Salmon

✔ Cook to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium-rare.

✅ Trim the Woody Ends of Asparagus

✔ Snap off the bottom inch for tender asparagus.

✅ Grill Asparagus for a Smoky Twist

✔ Instead of roasting, grill asparagus for 2-3 minutes per side.

Conclusion – Enjoy Your Perfect Grilled Salmon!

Grilled salmon with garlic butter and roasted asparagus is easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Now, fire up the grill, grab your ingredients, and enjoy a delicious and healthy seafood meal!

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FAQs

1. How do I know when salmon is done?

✔ It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be 130°F for medium and 145°F for well done.

2. Can I cook salmon in the oven instead of grilling?

✔ Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.

3. How do I make salmon crispy on the grill?

✔ Start with the skin side down and don’t move it for 4-5 minutes before flipping.

4. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

✔ Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before grilling.

5. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

✔ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter.

6. Can I grill salmon without skin?

✔ Yes! Use foil or a grill basket to prevent sticking.

7. What’s the best side dish for grilled salmon?

✔ Quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

✔ Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter.

9. How do I keep asparagus from getting mushy?

✔ Roast at high heat (400°F) for a shorter time to keep it crisp.

10. What other sauces can I use for salmon?

✔ Teriyaki sauce, mango salsa, or a dill yogurt sauce work great.