Description
This baked salmon in foil with asparagus and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish. The foil packet method locks in moisture, making the salmon tender and juicy with perfectly roasted asparagus. Itโs a quick, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or a light, nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skinless
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for extra tang)
- 1 tsp honey (optional for a hint of sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the ovenย to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Prepare the foil sheets:ย Tear four large pieces of aluminum foil. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each.
- Arrange the asparagus:ย Divide the asparagus evenly among the foil packets, placing them around the salmon.
- Make the lemon garlic butter sauce:ย In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard (if using), honey (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle and season:ย Spoon the sauce evenly over each salmon fillet and asparagus. Add a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
- Seal the packets:ย Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets tightly to lock in steam.
- Bake:ย Place the foil packets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. (Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.)
- Serve:ย Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam), garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor:ย Add a splash of white wine to the foil packets before sealing.
- Donโt overbake:ย Check for doneness around 15 minutes to avoid dry salmon.
- Variations:ย Swap asparagus with green beans, zucchini, or broccoli.
- Grill option:ย Cook on a preheated grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes instead of baking.