Elevate your home cooking with this incredibly simple yet sophisticated salmon dish that promises restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for those seeking a quick, healthy, and impressive meal.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 2-4 salmon fillets
- Fresh asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Magic Orange Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels
- Brush with olive oil
- Mince garlic and sprinkle over salmon
- Season with salt and pepper
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice
- Prepare Asparagus
- Trim woody ends
- Toss with olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper
- Create Orange Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, soy sauce
- Grate fresh ginger
- Add Dijon mustard
- Whisk cornstarch to thicken
- Simmer until sauce reduces and thickens
- Air Fry
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C (392°F)
- Place salmon and asparagus in air fryer basket
- Cook salmon 6-8 minutes
- Asparagus may need 4-5 minutes
- Plate and Serve
- Transfer salmon and asparagus to plate
- Drizzle with orange sauce
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 2-4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 22g
Cooking Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh salmon for best results
- Pat salmon dry for crispy exterior
- Don’t overcrowd air fryer basket
- Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes after cooking
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes
- Vegetarian: Replace salmon with tofu or cauliflower steak
- Low-Carb: Reduce or omit honey
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I know salmon is cooked? Internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F)
Q2: Can I use frozen salmon? Thaw completely before cooking
Q3: What if I don’t have an air fryer? Bake in oven at 200°C (392°F) for 12-15 minutes
Q4: Can I meal prep this? Best prepared fresh, but sauce can be made ahead
Q5: What sides pair well? Quinoa, rice, or mixed green salad
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Consume immediately for best texture
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Best within 1-2 days
- Reheat gently to prevent overcooking
Enjoy your restaurant-quality salmon that’s both impressive and effortless!