Sheet pan salmon turns dinner into an easy win, with flaky salmon glazed in maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and bright lemon. Roasted on a colorful bed of asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers, everything cooks together until the fish is tender and the veggies are caramelized and crisp tender. A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a cozy, herby finish that makes each bite taste sunny and satisfying. Ready in about 30 minutes, sheet pan salmon is simple, nourishing, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sheet pan salmon
- Quick and easy prep for busy weeknights.
- One pan means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Packed with nutrients and flavor for a healthy meal.
- Versatile recipe to customize with your favorite veggies.
- Perfectly cooked salmon every time, flaky and delicious!
Sheet pan salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your salmon cooks evenly and gets that lovely flaky texture.
- Step 2: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents the salmon from sticking.
- Step 3: Place the salmon fillets on the sheet pan, skin-side down. Make sure they have enough space to cook evenly.
- Step 4: Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and asparagus. This adds flavor and helps everything roast beautifully.
- Step 5: Season the salmon with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor comes from!
- Step 6: Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon. This will infuse a fresh, zesty flavor as it bakes.
- Step 7: Scatter asparagus around the salmon on the sheet pan. They’ll roast to perfection alongside the fish.
- Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it; you want it just right!
- Step 9: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 10g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple, healthy ingredients for a delicious sheet pan salmon dinner!
- 4 salmon fillets – 6 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for drizzling
- 1 lemon – thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds flavor
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a smoky taste
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- 1 pound asparagus – trimmed
How to Make Sheet Pan Salmon
This delightful Sheet Pan Salmon recipe is not only easy to make but also healthy and flavorful. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 12-15 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner ready in about 30 minutes!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your salmon cooks evenly and gets that lovely flaky texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sheet Pan
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents the salmon from sticking.
Step 3: Place the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the sheet pan, skin-side down. Make sure they have enough space to cook evenly.
Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and asparagus. This adds flavor and helps everything roast beautifully.
Step 5: Season the Salmon
Season the salmon with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy; this is where the flavor comes from!
Step 6: Add Lemon Slices
Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon. This will infuse a fresh, zesty flavor as it bakes.
Step 7: Scatter Asparagus
Scatter asparagus around the salmon on the sheet pan. They’ll roast to perfection alongside the fish.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it; you want it just right!
Step 9: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful meal!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dinner |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | Healthy |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and fresh from the oven! |
Pro Tips for Making Sheet pan salmon
- Choose wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate the salmon for at least 15 minutes to enhance its taste.
- Use seasonal vegetables for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Line your sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking the salmon.
How to Serve this Sheet pan salmon
- Serve with a side of roasted asparagus for a crunchy contrast.
- Pair with quinoa or brown rice for a hearty, healthy meal.
- Add a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing touch.
- Top with avocado slices for a creamy, rich flavor boost.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish.
- Include a side of garlic mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes.
- Serve with a zesty cucumber salad for a cool, crisp side.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can easily prepare and store your sheet pan salmon for later enjoyment:
Storing Sheet pan salmon Leftovers
- Allow salmon to cool to room temperature.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Sheet pan salmon
- Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sheet pan salmon
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a microwave on low power for quick reheating.
- Check for even heating to maintain texture.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is it best to cook salmon at 350 or 400?
Cooking salmon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is generally recommended for a quicker cook time and a nice, crispy exterior. At this temperature, the salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture, resulting in a deliciously tender fillet. However, if you prefer a slower cook, 350 degrees can also work well, just be prepared for a slightly longer cooking time.
2. Should I cook salmon on parchment paper or aluminum foil?
Both parchment paper and aluminum foil are great options for cooking salmon. Parchment paper is ideal if you want to create a non-stick surface and allow for even cooking, while aluminum foil can help lock in moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a slightly crispier texture, foil might be the way to go, but for a healthier option, parchment is perfect.
3. How long does salmon take to pan fry?
When pan-frying salmon, it typically takes about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fillet. You’ll want to cook it until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This method gives you a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
4. How long should I cook a salmon fillet in the oven at 400 degrees?
At 400 degrees Fahrenheit, a salmon fillet usually takes about 12-15 minutes to cook, depending on its thickness. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this easy Sheet Pan Salmon recipe as we are! It’s a delightful way to bring the family together for a healthy, flavorful meal in just 30 minutes. So, roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!