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🐟 Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

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Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s healthy, flavorful, quick, and easy to clean up? This baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic butter sauce checks all the boxes. It’s a one-pan, oven-baked meal where everything is cooked together in foil for maximum flavor and minimal mess. The salmon turns out tender and flaky, the asparagus perfectly crisp-tender, and the lemon garlic butter sauce infuses everything with irresistible brightness and richness.

Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting dinner guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Bonus? It’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and high in protein and omega-3s—making it a smart choice for both taste and health.

🔧 Recipe Preparation Equipment

Before diving into this mouthwatering dish, gather the following kitchen essentials:

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil (heavy-duty recommended)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl (for sauce)
  • Microplane or zester
  • Citrus juicer (optional)
  • Basting brush (optional)
  • Tongs or spatula (for serving)
  • Oven mitts

Optional but helpful:

  • Instant-read thermometer (for perfect salmon doneness)
  • Parchment paper (if placing between foil and food)

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

For the Salmon Packets:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin on or off)
  • 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for asparagus)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh chopped parsley or dill (for serving)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balance)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

👨‍🍳 How to Make Easy Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious meal:

🔪 Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Foil

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Tear out four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12–15 inches long. Lay them flat on your work surface.

If you’re concerned about sticking, lightly spray or brush the centers of the foil pieces with olive oil or line with parchment paper.

🥬 Step 2: Season and Prep the Asparagus

Rinse and trim the woody ends off your asparagus. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place a small bunch (about 6–8 stalks) in the center of each foil piece, forming a base for the salmon.

🐟 Step 3: Place the Salmon on Top

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season each one generously with salt and pepper.
Place each salmon fillet skin-side down directly on top of the asparagus in the center of each foil sheet.

🍋 Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

  • Melted butter
  • Garlic
  • Lemon zest
  • Lemon juice
  • Honey or maple syrup (if using)
  • Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (if using)
  • Salt and pepper

Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust for sweetness, acidity, and seasoning.

🍯 Step 5: Pour Sauce Over the Salmon

Evenly divide the lemon garlic butter sauce over the four salmon fillets.
Top each with 1–2 thin lemon slices for extra citrus aroma.

🧻 Step 6: Seal the Foil Packets

Carefully fold the long edges of each foil piece inward over the salmon, then fold the short ends up to seal the packet completely.
Make sure there’s a bit of air left inside for steam to circulate.

Place packets on a rimmed baking sheet.

🔥 Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

If you like a bit of crisp on top, carefully open the foil packets after 15 minutes and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes.

🌿 Step 8: Serve

Carefully open the foil packets (watch for steam!).
Transfer to plates or serve straight from the foil for an easy, rustic presentation.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

🔁 Variations

This recipe is ultra-flexible! Try these creative variations:

🌶️ Spicy Cajun Salmon

Add 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or paprika to the butter mixture for bold southern flavor.

🍊 Citrus Herb Salmon

Use orange or lime zest/juice in place of lemon and add fresh thyme or rosemary.

🍅 Mediterranean Style

Add halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta to the packet before baking.

🥦 Veggie Swap

Swap asparagus for green beans, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli florets.

🧄 Garlic Parmesan Twist

Sprinkle grated parmesan over the asparagus before sealing the packet for extra richness.

🍳 Cooking Note

  • Use evenly sized salmon fillets so they cook uniformly.
  • If using wild-caught salmon, reduce the cooking time by 1–2 minutes—it’s leaner and cooks faster.
  • The foil packet traps steam, so the salmon and vegetables cook gently and evenly without drying out.
  • Don’t overcook the asparagus—it should remain vibrant and slightly crisp.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your foil-baked salmon and asparagus with:

  • Steamed rice, couscous, or quinoa
  • Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
  • A crisp garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Crusty bread to soak up the lemon garlic butter
  • A glass of chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)

💡 Helpful Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the lemon garlic butter for 30 minutes before baking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled—it makes a huge difference.
  • Don’t skip the zest—it gives the sauce a vibrant lemony punch.
  • Add a few thin pads of butter on top of each fillet before sealing for even more richness.
  • Cook the packets side by side, not stacked, for even baking.

⏱️ Prep and Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 minutes

Perfect for busy weeknights!

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated for one salmon fillet + ¼ asparagus + sauce

  • Calories: 370
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Omega-3s: High

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I grill the foil packets instead?

Yes! Grill over medium heat for 12–14 minutes, turning once halfway. Check for doneness before removing.

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking. Moisture will affect the texture and sauce.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Q: Can I bake all in one large foil packet instead of individual ones?

Absolutely! Just ensure everything is laid flat in one layer and sealed tightly. Cooking time may increase slightly.

Q: What’s the best way to check for doneness?

Use a fork to gently flake the thickest part. Or use a thermometer—internal temp should be 135–140°F. It will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.

🏁 Conclusion

This baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic butter sauce is a simple yet luxurious meal that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and bold, fresh flavors, it proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this elegant yet approachable recipe hits all the right notes. From weeknight dinners to dinner parties, it’s a recipe that works every time.

So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make—just remember: foil, salmon, asparagus, and a little lemon garlic butter magic. 🧈🍋

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