Introduction
Discover the perfect balance of flavors with this delicious salmon and asparagus recipe. The combination of honey, lemon, and spices enhances the rich taste of Atlantic salmon, making it an ideal choice for dinner. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this dish will satisfy your taste buds while keeping dinner time stress-free.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ pounds Atlantic salmon side, cut into 6-ounce portions
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground paprika
2 tablespoons salted butter (¼ stick)
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons honey
1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon water
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry and cut it into 4 (6-ounce) fillets. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Heat the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salted butter and let it melt completely.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.
4. Create the Sauce
Stir in the honey, fresh lemon juice, and water. Whisk the mixture to combine and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it begins to bubble and slightly reduce in volume.
5. Cook the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Use a spoon to baste the salmon with the sauce generously.
6. Add the Asparagus
Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the salmon in the skillet. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover and Cook
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook through and the asparagus to become tender.
8. Broil for Finish
Preheat the oven to broil. Once the salmon has cooked, uncover the skillet and place it in the oven. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If the asparagus is particularly thin, consider removing it before broiling to prevent burning.
9. Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and serve the salmon and asparagus immediately, ensuring to drizzle extra sauce over the dish if desired.
Notes
Ingredient Adjustments
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the size of the asparagus. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Salmon
Begin by properly seasoning your salmon fillets with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, and paprika. This enhances flavor and creates a delicious crust during cooking.
Melting Butter
Use medium-high heat to melt salted butter in a skillet. This allows the butter to develop a rich flavor before adding other ingredients.
Cooking Garlic
Minced garlic should be cooked briefly, around 1-2 minutes, to release its aroma without burning. This will impart a delicious garlicky essence to the dish.
Making a Sauce
Combine honey, lemon juice, and water with cooked garlic, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Cook until bubbling and slightly reduced to intensify the flavors.
Basting Salmon
While cooking the salmon, periodically baste it with the sauce using a spoon. This keeps the fish moist and infuses it with flavor.
Cooking Asparagus
When cooking asparagus alongside salmon, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This ensures they are well-seasoned and enhance meal quality.
Covering the Skillet
Covering the skillet while cooking helps trap heat and moisture, ensuring even cooking of both salmon and asparagus without drying them out.
Broiling for Finish
Broiling the salmon in the oven for a few minutes at the end allows it to develop a beautiful crust. Make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Checking for Doneness
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. A food thermometer is helpful for accurate results.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even doneness.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness.
Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?
Yes, other vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini can be used as alternatives, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
Is it necessary to cover the skillet while cooking?
Covering the skillet is recommended to retain moisture and ensure even cooking, but you can cook uncovered if preferred.
How can I tell when the asparagus is done cooking?
The asparagus should be bright green and tender when pierced with a fork, yet still have a slight crunch.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely, you can use different types of fish, such as trout or tilapia, but be mindful of adjusting the cooking time based on thickness.
Conclusion
The combination of seasoned salmon and tender asparagus, enhanced by a delightful honey-garlic sauce, creates a dish that is not only flavorful but also quick and easy to prepare. This recipe highlights the freshness of its ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
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