Description
This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned and baked alongside fresh asparagus and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, all sealed in foil to lock in moisture and enhance flavors. The result is a deliciously fragrant, perfectly cooked fish dish that’s both nutritious and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
- 1 lemon, sliced thinly
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon and asparagus foil packets.
- Prepare Foil Sheets: Cut four sheets of aluminum foil, each large enough to completely fold over and seal the salmon fillets with the asparagus.
- Arrange Salmon: Place each salmon fillet in the center of a foil sheet, skin side down if applicable, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add Asparagus: Evenly distribute the trimmed asparagus among the foil sheets, placing them alongside the salmon fillets.
- Add Lemon Slices: Top each fillet with a few thin slices of lemon to add fresh citrus flavor during baking.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Drizzle Sauce: Evenly spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus in each foil packet.
- Seal Foil Packets: Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to completely enclose the contents and seal each packet tightly to trap the moisture and flavors during cooking.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness by ensuring the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully open each foil packet (watching for steam), optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a hot and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Ensure salmon fillets are similar in thickness for even cooking.
- Do not overbake; salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
- Asparagus tips are more delicate, so make sure they are trimmed evenly.
- Foil packets make cleanup simple and keep flavors locked in.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
