Delight your taste buds with this quick and easy baked salmon in foil recipe, featuring tender asparagus and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. This dish combines the rich flavors of fresh salmon with the vibrant crunch of asparagus, all enveloped in a fragrant garlic butter that elevates the meal to gourmet status. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe promises a hassle-free cleanup and a deliciously healthy meal that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- For the Salmon and Asparagus:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Foil Packets: Cut four large sheets of aluminum foil, about 12 inches long. Lay them out on a flat surface.
- Season the Salmon: Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Arrange a handful of asparagus next to each salmon fillet.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not let it brown). Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Foil Packets: Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets and asparagus. Fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!). Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving. Enjoy your flavorful baked salmon with a side of your choice or on its own!