Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple yet delicious dish that offers a perfect balance of flavors. The combination of tender salmon, crisp asparagus, and a rich garlic lemon butter sauce makes this recipe a go-to for busy weeknights or even special occasions. By cooking the salmon and asparagus in foil, the ingredients are infused with the tangy and savory sauce, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful dish. This method also keeps cleanup minimal, making it an even more appealing choice. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just getting started, this recipe is both easy to follow and impressively flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless salmon fillets
- 1 pound (454 grams) asparagus tips
- 1/3 cup (75 grams) melted butter
- 1/3 cup (125 ml) lemon juice
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2/3 cup (65 grams) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- Parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for cooking the salmon and asparagus to perfection. - Prepare the Salmon and Asparagus:
Take four sheets of aluminum foil, each approximately 12×18 inches (30×45 cm). Place a salmon fillet in the center of each sheet. Divide the asparagus tips into four equal portions and arrange them around each salmon fillet. - Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until well combined. - Season and Assemble:
Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over each salmon fillet and asparagus portion. Make sure the sauce coats everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top each salmon fillet with 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. - Seal the Foil Packets:
Fold the aluminum foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to create individual packets. This helps the salmon cook evenly and retain moisture while absorbing all the flavors of the sauce. - Bake:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. - Garnish and Serve:
Carefully open the foil packets and transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a light quinoa salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple mixed greens salad. The lemon and garlic notes in the sauce complement fresh, zesty sides, while the Parmesan adds a hint of richness. You could also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce left on the plate.
For a complete meal, pair the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, as these wines enhance the citrus and buttery flavors of the salmon.
Helpful Tips:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: When making Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, always opt for the freshest ingredients possible. Fresh salmon, asparagus, and lemon will elevate the dish and bring out the best flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings: If you prefer a bit more zest, increase the amount of lemon juice in the sauce. For those who enjoy a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove or two of minced garlic.
- Foil Wrapping Technique: When sealing the foil, ensure there is a small amount of space between the top of the foil and the salmon. This allows steam to circulate inside the packet, which helps cook the salmon evenly.
- Cooking Time: If you’re using thicker salmon fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. To avoid overcooking, check the fillets at the 15-minute mark by gently pressing with a fork. The fish should flake easily when done.
- Parmesan Substitution: If you want to experiment with flavors, you can substitute the Parmesan with another cheese like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère. However, Parmesan’s nutty, salty flavor is a great match for the dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is not only flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for supporting heart health. Asparagus adds a dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 4
This recipe is ideal for those who want a healthy, well-rounded meal with minimal preparation time. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The ease of Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce makes it a staple in any home kitchen, while its vibrant flavors and tender textures will have your guests coming back for seconds.
In conclusion, Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by seafood lovers and casual cooks alike. The simplicity of the preparation and the bold flavors of the garlic lemon butter sauce make it a favorite. Whether served for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Card
Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- – 4 skinless salmon fillets
- – 1 pound 454 grams asparagus tips
- – 1/3 cup 75 grams melted butter
- – 1/3 cup 125 ml lemon juice
- – 4 minced garlic cloves
- – 2 teaspoons 10 ml chopped fresh parsley
- – Salt and pepper to taste
- – 2/3 cup 65 grams grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- – Parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the right temperature for cooking the salmon and asparagus to perfection.
Prepare the Salmon and Asparagus:
- Take four sheets of aluminum foil, each approximately 12×18 inches (30×45 cm). Place a salmon fillet in the center of each sheet. Divide the asparagus tips into four equal portions and arrange them around each salmon fillet.
Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir until well combined.
Season and Assemble:
- Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over each salmon fillet and asparagus portion. Make sure the sauce coats everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top each salmon fillet with 2 to 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
Seal the Foil Packets:
- Fold the aluminum foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to create individual packets. This helps the salmon cook evenly and retain moisture while absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
Bake:
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
Garnish and Serve:
- Carefully open the foil packets and transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.