Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes

Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe

This flavorful meal pairs spiced salmon with creamy cheesy asparagus and garlic herb potatoes to create a delicious and satisfying dish. Each element complements the others perfectly for a balanced, mouth-watering meal.

Ingredients:

For the Spiced Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for serving)

For the Cheesy Asparagus:

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Garlic Herb Potatoes:

1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste Billion Dollar Buttery Biscuits
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden and tender, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the Asparagus:

While the potatoes are roasting, prepare the asparagus. Trim off the tough ends and place the asparagus on another baking sheet.
Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus, then season with salt and pepper.
Roast in the oven with the potatoes for 10-12 minutes or until tender but still slightly crisp.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the asparagus, and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sprinkle garlic powder and fresh parsley on top for added flavor.

3. Prepare the Spiced Salmon:

While the potatoes and asparagus are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
Rub the spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can also grill the salmon for an even smokier flavor if preferred.
Once done, remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness.

4. Serve the Dish:

Once the salmon, asparagus, and potatoes are ready, plate each item individually.
Serve the spiced salmon alongside the cheesy asparagus and garlic herb potatoes.
Garnish with fresh parsley on both the potatoes and asparagus for added color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes:

Flavors That Complement: The spiced salmon, cheesy asparagus, and garlic herb potatoes all work together wonderfully. The spiced salmon brings a smoky, savory kick, while the asparagus is creamy with a touch of sharpness from the cheese. The garlic herb potatoes are tender with crispy edges, giving the perfect texture contrast.
Easy-to-Make: Despite the impressive presentation, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. Roasting and pan-searing make it a hands-off dinner that can be prepped quickly for a weeknight meal.
Nutritious and Balanced: This meal is a great source of lean protein from the salmon, vitamins and minerals from the asparagus, and fiber from the potatoes. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a balanced dinner.
Great for Special Occasions or Weeknight Meals: Whether it’s a regular weeknight or a special occasion, this dish is versatile enough for any event. It’s full of flavor and looks beautiful on the plate.

Tips for the Best Spiced Salmon with Cheesy Asparagus & Garlic Herb Potatoes:

Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or eliminate the cinnamon and cumin.
Oven Space: Since both the potatoes and asparagus need to be roasted, you can cook them simultaneously in the oven. If your oven space is limited, you can stagger the cooking time.
Make it One-Pan: If you prefer to reduce cleanup, you can cook the salmon on the same sheet pan as the asparagus. Just be sure to keep the salmon away from the asparagus so the flavors don’t mix until they’re ready to be served.
Check Salmon Doneness: Salmon is best when cooked until it’s just opaque in the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, a good way to check is by gently pressing the fillet with a fork—if it flakes easily, it’s done!

FAQs:

Q: Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus?

Yes! You can substitute other vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the vegetable’s needs.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes and asparagus ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, you can quickly cook the salmon when you’re ready to serve. The salmon is best cooked fresh.

Q: Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-searing it?

Yes! Grilling the salmon will add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices. Just be sure to oil the grill grate to prevent the salmon from sticking.

Q: What can I serve this dish with?

You could serve this with a side salad or some rice if you want to add more to the meal. A light, refreshing salad would be a great contrast to the rich flavors of the salmon and cheesy asparagus.