This Baked Salmon in Foil recipe is an easy, healthy, and flavorful meal. The salmon is cooked to tender perfection alongside asparagus, all bathed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Best of all, it requires minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Vegetables:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Foil Packets:
- Tear off four large pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap a salmon fillet and asparagus.
- Arrange the Salmon and Asparagus:
- Place each salmon fillet in the center of a piece of foil. Arrange the asparagus spears around the salmon. Top each fillet with 2–3 lemon slices.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Sauce:
- Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
- Seal the Foil Packets:
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets completely to lock in the steam.
- Bake:
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve:
- Carefully open the foil packets to avoid steam. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Asparagus Tips: Use thin asparagus spears for quicker cooking, or blanch thicker spears for 2–3 minutes before placing them in the packets.
- Internal Temperature: For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Substitutions: Swap the asparagus for other vegetables like green beans or zucchini.
- Grill Option: You can also cook the foil packets on a grill over medium heat for 10–15 minutes.
This simple yet elegant dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the flavors of lemony, buttery goodness in every bite!
