Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Looking for an easy, healthy, and delicious dinner? This Baked Salmon in Foil is the perfect recipe! Juicy, flaky salmon is paired with tender asparagus and coated in a rich, buttery lemon garlic sauce. It’s a fuss-free meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in foil means minimal mess!
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and vitamins.
• Bursting with Flavor: Zesty lemon, garlic, and butter create the perfect balance.
• One-Pan Meal: Salmon and asparagus cook together for ultimate convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets (2, about 6 oz each)
• Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed)
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh Lemon Slices (for garnish)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp, melted)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp, fresh)
• Honey (1 tsp, for a touch of sweetness)
• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp, adds depth of flavor)
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp, optional for a hint of heat)
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking Sheet
• Aluminum Foil
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Knife & Cutting Board

Let’s Make Baked Salmon in Foil

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.

Step 2: Prepare the Foil Packets
2. Place a large piece of foil on the baking sheet.
3. Lay the asparagus in the center, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the salmon fillets on top of the asparagus.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
5. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon
6. Drizzle the sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
7. Place a few fresh lemon slices on top for extra citrusy flavor.

Step 5: Seal the Foil Packet
8. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing it tightly to create a packet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and fully cooked.
10. Carefully open the foil (watch out for steam) and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for a slightly crispy top (optional).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
11. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the salmon and serve immediately.
12. Enjoy with extra lemon wedges on the side!

What to Serve with Baked Salmon

• Rice or Quinoa: A perfect base to soak up the sauce.
• Mashed or Roasted Potatoes: Adds a comforting touch.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic dressing pairs well.

Tips for the Best Baked Salmon

• Don’t Overcook: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork (internal temp: 145°F/63°C).
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic make a huge difference!
• Customize the Veggies: Swap asparagus for zucchini, green beans, or cherry tomatoes.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short bursts.
• Freeze: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely before baking for even cooking.

What if I don’t have foil?
You can use parchment paper or bake in a covered dish instead.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the foil packets a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Conclusion

This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s sure to become a favorite. It’s light yet satisfying, with a perfect balance of buttery richness and zesty freshness.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to snap a pic and share your masterpiece!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 350 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 320mg

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