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Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking (Foil Packet)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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. Itโ€™s 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

  1. Preheat the ovenย to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with foil.
  2. Prepare the foil sheets:ย Tear four large pieces of aluminum foil. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each.
  3. Arrange the asparagus:ย Divide the asparagus evenly among the foil packets, placing them around the salmon.
  4. 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.
  5. Drizzle and season:ย Spoon the sauce evenly over each salmon fillet and asparagus. Add a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
  6. Seal the packets:ย Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets tightly to lock in steam.
  7. 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.)
  8. 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.
  • Donโ€™t 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.