Baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic butter sauce is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe locks in moisture and infuses the salmon with the rich, tangy taste of lemon garlic butter while keeping the asparagus tender and crisp. Cooking in foil not only enhances the flavors but also makes cleanup a breeze. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a nutritious and delicious choice for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the ingredients.
- Prepare the Foil Packets – Tear two large sheets of aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Lightly grease the foil with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the Salmon – Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Brush this mixture generously over the salmon fillets.
- Arrange the Asparagus – Spread the trimmed asparagus spears evenly on each foil sheet next to the salmon fillets. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add Lemon Slices – Place thin lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets. This will enhance the citrusy flavor while baking.
- Wrap the Foil Packets – Fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to create a closed packet. This ensures the fish steams in its own juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Bake the Salmon – Place the foil packets on the baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
- Broil for Extra Flavor (Optional) – If you prefer a slightly crispy top, open the foil packets and broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes on high heat.
- Garnish and Serve – Carefully open the foil packets, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and dill over the salmon, and serve immediately. Pair with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.