Baking salmon in foil is a fantastic way to ensure moist, flavorful fish with minimal cleanup. Pairing it with asparagus and a lemon garlic butter sauce amplifies the flavors and adds a wonderful freshness to the dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, providing a healthy and delicious meal with ease. Here’s how to make it:
INGREDIENTS:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus additional for garnish
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Foil:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut four sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap each salmon fillet and asparagus bundle.
2. Prepare the Asparagus:
Place the asparagus on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Foil Packets:
On each foil sheet, place a portion of the asparagus. Lay a salmon fillet on top of the asparagus.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place a couple of lemon slices on top of each fillet.
4. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, honey (if using), and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the Sauce and Seal the Packets:
Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus.
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, covering completely; seal the packets closed.
6. Bake:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.
7. Serve:
Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam). Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon in Foil:
Foil Sealing: Ensure the foil packets are sealed well to keep the steam in, which helps in cooking the salmon and asparagus perfectly.
Doneness Check: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color.
This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when cooked correctly, can create a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy this easy-to-make, delicious recipe any night of the week!
