Description
This Savory Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Butter is a quick and healthy dinner option that features tender salmon fillets baked with fresh asparagus, garlic, and a zesty lemon butter sauce. Encased in foil, the salmon and vegetables steam perfectly, locking in moisture and flavor. This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and yielding a delicious, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Salmon (fresh or frozen, high quality)
- 1 bunch Asparagus (can substitute with broccoli or zucchini)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 3 cloves Garlic (freshly minced)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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 (fresh for best taste)
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce (adjust to taste; paprika can be used instead)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the salmon and vegetables.
- Prepare foil packets: Cut two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil measuring approximately 14 x 12 inches each to create individual cooking packets for the salmon fillets.
- Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce to create a flavorful liquid base to drizzle over the salmon and asparagus.
- Season salmon and arrange: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the salmon fillets. Place each fillet in the center of a foil sheet, arranging asparagus stalks neatly beside the fish.
- Add garlic and sauce: Generously sprinkle freshly minced garlic over the salmon fillets. Then drizzle the prepared broth mixture evenly over both the salmon and asparagus.
- Dot with butter: Place small pieces of butter across the salmon and asparagus to add richness and enhance the flavors during baking.
- Seal foil packets: Fold the foil tightly over the ingredients, sealing the edges to create a packet that traps steam but leaves some room inside for circulation.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a sheet tray and bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve and garnish: Carefully open the foil (beware of hot steam). Drizzle with additional fresh lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute asparagus with broccoli or zucchini depending on your preference.
- If you do not have vegetable broth, white wine is a good substitute to add acidity and depth.
- Adjust the hot sauce to your spice tolerance or use paprika for a milder flavor.
- For dairy-free options, replace butter with olive oil or ghee.
- Ensure the foil packets are tightly sealed to trap steam, which helps keep the salmon moist.
- Check the salmon at 9 minutes to avoid overcooking; baking time can vary based on fillet thickness.
