Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant meal? Then look no further! This recipe takes inspiration from the popular meal kit service, Blue Apron, offering a simple yet elegant salmon dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor and showcases the beautiful natural taste of fresh salmon. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy recipe, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels!
Ingredients:
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For the Salmon:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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For the Asparagus:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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For the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Preparing the Asparagus:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Spread the asparagus in a single layer and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Cooking the Salmon:
- While the asparagus is roasting, prepare the salmon. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets) in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Flip the fillets and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
Making the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- While the salmon is baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
Serving:
- Once the salmon and asparagus are cooked, remove them from the oven.
- Serve the salmon fillets over a bed of roasted asparagus, and top with a generous dollop of the lemon-dill sauce.
Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the asparagus. This ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the cooking time for the salmon depending on its thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables for the asparagus, such as broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
Variations:
- Spicy Salmon: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning for a little kick.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Try using a mixture of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and oregano for a flavorful crust.
- Creamy Dill Sauce: Add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the lemon-dill sauce for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This delicious and healthy salmon recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or simply a satisfying meal for yourself. Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish! It’s a great example of how simple ingredients can create truly delicious dishes. This healthy meal is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.