Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus Freezer Meal Recipe
AmericanDairy-FreeDinnerEgg-FreeGluten FreeNut-FreeSeafoodSheet PanUnder 60 Min
March 22nd, 2024
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
If there were two savory flavors that were destined to be paired, they are garlic and butter. We love garlic butter with many things - on bread, over pasta, or drizzling atop roasted mushrooms - but we especially love garlic butter on salmon. It is the reason behind our Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus.
If there were two savory flavors that were destined to be paired, they are garlic and butter. We love garlic butter with many things – on bread, over pasta, or drizzling atop roasted mushrooms – but we especially love garlic butter on salmon. It is the reason behind our Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus. Our recipe weds the melt-in-your-mouth flavors of salmon with the fresh, crisp nature of asparagus by way of a luxurious garlic butter sauce, creating a culinary symphony that will leave you wondering why you didn’t make it sooner.
The dish is wonderful in and of itself, but when you factor in the convenience of it, you’ll fall even deeper in love. A part of our make-ahead freezer meal clan, Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus is prepped in advance, frozen, and then cooked to perfection with minimal effort. It’s the quintessential answer to your meal planning woes, combining efficiency with the flavors of gourmet.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned chef or just finding your culinary feet – our recipe is easy to execute and will wow any crowd. If that’s what you’ve been looking for, you’re in the right place.
Why you’ll love this Make Ahead Magic Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus Recipe
One-Pan Wonder: Clean-up is a breeze with just one pan for cooking both the salmon and the asparagus.
Light and Satisfying: Offers a filling and nutritious meal without feeling overly heavy.
Healthy: The nutrients in salmon are beneficial to cognitive and cardiovascular health, and asparagus brings with it a slew of nutritional benefits, too, including antioxidants.
Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus Freezer Meal Recipe
If there were two savory flavors that were destined to be paired, they are garlic and butter. We love garlic butter with many things – on bread, over pasta, or drizzling atop roasted mushrooms – but we especially love garlic butter on salmon. It is the reason behind our Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus.
Olive Oil: If you don’t have butter on hand or are looking for a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with an equal amount of olive oil. Olive oil will slightly alter the flavor profile, but will still result in a deliciously moist salmon.
Broccoli: If you’d like to switch up the vegetables or if asparagus isn’t available, broccoli is an excellent substitute. Cut it into florets and toss it in the freezer bag alongside the other ingredients.
Additions:
Dill: Dill is an excellent complement to salmon, adding a fresh and slightly tangy flavor to the dish. Toss 2 tsp of fresh dill (or 1 tsp of dried) into the freezer bag before freezing.
Cherry Tomatoes: For added color and flavor, add a handful of cherry tomatoes to this dish. Their acidity will also help balance the richness of the salmon.
How to Reheat and Store Delicious Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
Best way to store leftover Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus?
Leftovers of this meal are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Make sure you allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing, as this will prevent condensation build up in your container, which would change the flavor and texture of your meal.
How long will Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, an allowed to cool before storing, this meal will stay fresh for three to five days.
Can I freeze leftover Salmon with Asparagus?
Although it is possible to freeze leftovers of this recipe, we don’t typically recommend it because we freeze before cooking. If you cannot consume leftovers in the recommended time frame or if you choose to freeze them, it is okay, but the second round will be less delightful in both texture and flavor. Make sure to follow the same procedures as you would to store in the fridge, allow to cool down, and use freezer safe bags to store in the freezer. This will help prevent any spoilage during your freezer storage.
How to reheat Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus?
This recipe is reheatable in the oven, in the microwave, or on the stovetop, but our preferred method is in the oven so those asparagus tips can crisp up again. Set your over to 350F. Cook for 5-7 minutes, and make sure to check doneness with a meat thermometer.
Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus FAQs
What is the secret to the best salmon?
The secret to the best salmon is simple: salt. A dry bring gives you a firmer, juicier filet and ensures the skin is extra crisp. Additionally, salt tends to bring the flavor out in everything.
Is salmon better when it is cooked in the oven or on the stovetop?
Cooking method is ultimately a matter of preference. If you prefer to have crispy salmon, a pan sear will do the trick. If you like the texture of salmon that has been steamed, the oven will be more likely to produce that result for you. However, succulent salmon filets with a crispy crust can be achieved by cooking uncovered in the oven.
Should you wash salmon before cooking?
Much like with chicken, salmon does not need to be washed before it is cooked. The only reason for doing this would be to remove any lingering scales.
Should salmon be flipped in order to be fully cooked?
It is not necessary to flip salmon in order for it to be fully cooked. Most times, salmon filets are cooked skin-side down to help the filets stay intact. The way to know if salmon is fully cooked is by checking its internal temperature, which should be at 145°F.
How can I avoid overcooking salmon?
To avoid overcooking salmon, cook it with its skin on to help retain moisture. It is also wise to check the filets’ temperature with a cooking thermometer; salmon should have an internal temperature of 145°F.
What type of fish is similar to salmon in flavor and texture?
One of the types of fish that is most similar to salmon in both flavor and texture is steelhead trout. Native to the West Coast and Alaska, it is popular in fish markets and on restaurant menus.
How do you know when salmon is cooked perfectly?
Salmon is fully cooked when it has an internal temperature of 145°F. The filet will flake easily once it is fully cooked, also, and will no longer have a translucency to its color.
What are the health benefits to asparagus?
Asparagus is a great source of potassium, which is a key ingredient to a healthy heart, bones, kidneys, and nerves. It also has asparaptine, which is known to improve blood flow and in turn lower blood pressure. Asparagus is also packed with vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, as well as folate, iron, copper, calcium, protein, and fiber.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
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