Here’s a full detailed recipe for Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce — a healthy, flavorful, and easy one-pan dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal.
🐟 Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
🔹 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔹 Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
🔹 Total Time: 25–30 minutes
🔹 Servings: 2–4
🧂 Ingredients:
🔸 For the Salmon & Asparagus:
- 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 bunch of asparagus (trimmed, about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling asparagus)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- Aluminum foil (for wrapping)
🔸 For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from half a lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix:
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes, salt & pepper to taste
- Stir well and set aside.
3. Prepare the Foil Packets:
- Cut two large pieces of foil (big enough to wrap each salmon fillet with asparagus).
- Divide the asparagus evenly between the two sheets, placing them in the center.
- Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Add Salmon:
- Place a salmon fillet on top of the asparagus on each foil sheet.
- Season salmon with salt and black pepper.
- Spoon or brush the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over each fillet.
- Top each fillet with 2–3 slices of lemon.
5. Wrap & Seal Foil:
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets tightly but leaving a little room inside for steam to circulate.
📝 Make sure the seam is at the top to avoid leakage.
6. Bake:
- Place foil packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
- Thinner fillets: 12–15 min
- Thicker fillets: 18–20 min
7. Optional Broil Finish:
- For extra color or crisp edges, open the foil and broil for 1–2 minutes after baking.
8. Serve:
- Carefully open the foil packets (watch for steam!).
- Sprinkle with extra parsley or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve directly in the foil or plate with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
📝 Tips & Variations:
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center (internal temp ~125°F for medium or 135°F for well done).
- Vegetable Swap: Try zucchini, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or green beans instead of asparagus.
- Add Herbs: Dill, thyme, or rosemary go great with salmon.
- Make it Keto: This dish is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly!
🍷 What to Serve With:
- Sides: Rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, couscous, or garlic bread
- Wine: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- Sauces: Add a dollop of tzatziki or yogurt sauce for a twist
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