Description
This Savory Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Butter is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Salmon fillets and fresh asparagus are baked together in foil packets, infused with garlic, lemon juice, vegetable broth, and a touch of hot sauce, then topped with butter for richness. The foil seals in moisture to keep the salmon tender and the asparagus crisp, making for an easy cleanup and deliciously aromatic dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 fillets Salmon (Use fresh or frozen, high quality)
- 1 bunch Asparagus (Can be substituted with broccoli or zucchini)
Seasonings and 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 (Use 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 get it ready for baking the salmon and asparagus foil packets.
- Prepare Foil Sheets: Cut two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil measuring approximately 14 x 12 inches each to create individual packets.
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce to create a flavorful liquid to drizzle over the salmon and asparagus.
- Season Salmon and Arrange: Season the salmon fillets evenly with salt and pepper. Place each fillet in the center of a foil sheet and arrange asparagus spears alongside each piece.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Sprinkle the minced garlic generously over the salmon fillets. Drizzle the prepared broth mixture evenly over both the salmon and asparagus.
- Top with Butter: Dot the salmon and asparagus with small pieces of butter to add richness and help keep the ingredients moist during baking.
- Seal the Foil Packets: Fold the foil sheets tightly over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets securely while leaving enough room for steam to circulate inside.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets to avoid hot steam. Garnish with additional fresh lemon juice and chopped fresh herbs if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing during baking.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to your preferred spice level or substitute with paprika for a milder flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or ghee.
- You can substitute asparagus with other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini based on availability.
- Ensure salmon fillets are of similar size for even cooking.
- Let the packets rest for a minute after baking before opening to allow juices to redistribute.
