Lemon Garlic Blackened Salmon & Shrimp Tray Bake

There is something so comforting about a tray bake like this. It feels a little special, but it is wonderfully easy at the same time. The salmon turns tender and flaky, the shrimp cook up juicy and full of flavor, and everything is wrapped in that bold, smoky lemon-garlic seasoning that fills the kitchen with the most irresistible smell.

This is the kind of meal that works on a busy weeknight when you want something simple, but it is also lovely enough to bring to the table when you want dinner to feel a bit more memorable. The bright lemon, the warm spices, the buttery garlic, the little bit of char from the oven — every bite feels fresh, cozy, and satisfying all at once. It is the sort of dish that makes everyone go quiet for a minute after the first bite, just to enjoy it.

Ingredients

• 1 large salmon fillet (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds)
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking tray or foil pan so everything roasts nicely without sticking.

Next, make the seasoning. In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne if you are using it, black pepper, and salt. This is where all that deep, blackened flavor begins.

Place the salmon fillet right in the center of the tray. Brush it with some of the olive oil and the melted butter. Then rub most of the seasoning mix all over the top. Don’t be shy here — this is what gives the salmon that rich color and bold flavor.

In a separate bowl, add the shrimp and onion wedges. Toss them with the remaining olive oil, the minced garlic, the lemon juice, and the rest of the seasoning. The onions will soften and sweeten in the oven, while the shrimp soak up all that bright, garlicky flavor.

Now arrange the shrimp and onions around the salmon. Tuck the lemon slices over the top of the fish. It already starts to look beautiful at this stage, and once it bakes, the lemons soften and perfume the whole tray.

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork, and the shrimp should be pink and opaque. Keep an eye on it toward the end so everything stays tender.

If you want a little extra color, turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. This gives the top a slightly crisp, lightly charred finish that makes the dish even more irresistible. Just watch closely, because it can go from perfect to too dark very quickly.

When it comes out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve it right away with extra lemon wedges on the side for one last bright squeeze.

Presentation

This tray bake is naturally gorgeous, so it doesn’t need much to shine. Serve the salmon on a large platter with the shrimp and onions tucked around it, then spoon a little of the tray juices over everything for extra gloss and flavor.

For a fresh finish, scatter more chopped parsley over the top and add a few extra lemon slices or wedges around the edges. If you want to round out the plate, it looks especially lovely beside fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. The contrast of the golden salmon, pink shrimp, caramelized onions, and bright yellow lemon makes the whole dish feel cheerful and inviting.

Nutritional Information:

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
• 🔥 Kcal: 430 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Blackened Salmon & Shrimp Tray Bake is one of those recipes that feels generous and full of life without asking for too much effort. It is bold, zesty, buttery, and just a little smoky, with plenty of color and flavor in every bite. Best of all, it all comes together on one tray, which makes it even easier to love.

If you are craving something cozy, fresh, and a little bit impressive, this is such a good recipe to make soon. It is simple enough for an ordinary evening, but delicious enough to make that evening feel special.