Description
This Savory Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Butter is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Fresh salmon fillets are seasoned and baked in aluminum foil alongside tender asparagus, garlic, and a zesty lemon butter broth, locking in moisture and rich flavors. This easy foil packet recipe ensures minimal cleanup and maximal taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon & Vegetables
- 4 fillets Salmon (fresh or frozen, high quality)
- 1 bunch Asparagus (can be substituted with broccoli or zucchini)
Seasonings & Sauce
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter (can substitute with olive oil or ghee)
- 1/4 cup Vegetable Broth (white wine can be a substitute)
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed for best taste)
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce (adjust to taste; paprika can be used instead)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the salmon packets.
- Prepare Foil Sheets: Cut and lay out 2 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each measuring approximately 14 x 12 inches.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce, mixing thoroughly to create the flavorful broth mixture.
- Season Salmon and Arrange: Season each salmon fillet evenly with salt and pepper, then place them centrally on each foil sheet, with asparagus spears arranged next to the salmon.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Sprinkle freshly minced garlic over the salmon fillets generously, then drizzle the prepared vegetable broth mixture evenly over both the salmon and asparagus.
- Add Butter: Distribute small dots of butter over the salmon and asparagus to enhance richness and flavor.
- Seal Foil Packets: Fold the foil tightly around the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets securely but leaving some space inside for steam to circulate during cooking.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 9-12 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets to avoid steam burns, garnish the salmon and asparagus with additional fresh lemon juice and optional fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For substitutions, you can use broccoli or zucchini instead of asparagus.
- Butter can be replaced with olive oil or ghee for variations in flavor and dietary needs.
- Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference; paprika can be used as a milder alternative.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Ensure salmon is fresh or properly thawed if using frozen.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Serve immediately after baking for optimal texture and flavor.
