Baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic butter sauce is a perfect dish for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner. This dish combines tender salmon fillets, crisp asparagus, and a zesty garlic butter sauce, all baked to perfection in foil packets. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a dinner party that leaves your guests impressed with minimal effort.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 and takes around 25 minutes to prepare and cook.
For the Salmon and Asparagus
- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- 1 pound of asparagus, trimmed
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare a large baking sheet and set aside. Alternatively, use individual foil packets for serving.
Step 2: Prepare the Asparagus
Trim the ends of the asparagus to remove the woody part.
Toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets
Cut large sheets of aluminum foil, about 12×18 inches each.
Place a salmon fillet in the center of each sheet. Arrange the seasoned asparagus around the salmon.
Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon and asparagus.
Top each salmon fillet with a slice of lemon for extra flavor.
Step 5: Seal the Foil
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing tightly to form a packet. Ensure there are no gaps to keep the moisture locked in during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon
Place the foil packets on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
For crispier edges, open the foil packets during the last 3–5 minutes of cooking and switch to broil mode.
Step 7: Serve
Carefully open the foil packets to release the steam.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve warm. Pair the dish with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon
Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutrition. Ensure the fillets are fresh and have a vibrant pink color.
Avoid Overcooking: Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Use Heavy-Duty Foil: This prevents tearing and helps lock in the flavors during baking.
Customize the Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to the foil packets for more variety.
Double the Sauce: For extra flavor, consider making a double batch of the lemon garlic butter sauce and serving it on the side.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25–28 minutes
Calories and Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~380
Protein: 34g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Sodium: 570mg
Vitamin A: 850IU
Vitamin C: 20mg
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1.8mg
(Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to Make: Using foil packets simplifies preparation and cleanup. Plus, it ensures the salmon stays moist and flavorful.
- Healthy Ingredients: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while asparagus provides fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Versatile: This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap asparagus for green beans or broccoli, or add more herbs like thyme or dill for extra flavor.