Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce—a healthy, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
This baked salmon is infused with the tangy flavors of lemon and garlic butter, paired with tender asparagus for a wholesome, delicious meal. Cooking the salmon in foil locks in moisture, ensuring the fish is perfectly tender and flaky.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare 4 large pieces of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap each salmon fillet and asparagus together in individual packets.
2. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, and chopped parsley. This garlic lemon butter sauce will infuse the salmon and asparagus with rich, zesty flavors.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets
On each piece of foil, place a handful of asparagus spears in the center. Season the asparagus lightly with salt and pepper. Place one salmon fillet on top of the asparagus. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce evenly over each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well-coated. Add a slice of lemon on top of each piece of salmon for extra citrus flavor.
4. Seal the Foil Packets
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets tightly so that the steam and flavors stay locked in. Be careful not to wrap the foil too tightly against the salmon, allowing some space for the heat to circulate.
5. Bake the Salmon
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flaky, and the asparagus tender but not mushy. For fillets that are about 1 inch thick, 18 minutes is ideal.
6. Serve
Once done, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam). Serve the salmon and asparagus directly from the foil packets, or transfer to a plate. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and additional lemon slices if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or quinoa to soak up the extra lemon butter sauce
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a hearty side
- A fresh green salad to keep the meal light and refreshing
Tips for the Best Baked Salmon
- Choose fresh salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible for the best flavor and texture. Fresh salmon works best, but you can also use frozen fillets—just make sure they are fully thawed before baking.
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Check the salmon after 15 minutes of baking. Overcooked salmon can become dry, so it’s best to bake just until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Customize the veggies: If asparagus isn’t your favorite, try substituting with other vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or broccoli.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, while asparagus provides vitamins A, C, and K, and is low in calories. The garlic lemon butter sauce adds flavor without overwhelming the dish, making it a perfect combination of health and taste.
Enjoy this Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, a simple yet elegant meal that’s light, flavorful, and easy to make!