Irresistible Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Salmon wrapped in foil creates a delightful culinary canvas for aspiring home chefs.

Tender fish becomes the star of this simple yet elegant dish.

Crisp asparagus spears complement the rich, buttery sauce perfectly.

Garlic infuses every bite with incredible depth and warmth.

Mediterranean cooking techniques shine through in this uncomplicated recipe.

Minimal preparation meets maximum flavor in this delectable seafood experience.

You’ll want to savor each succulent morsel of this mouthwatering meal.

Instructions for Cooking Salmon in Foil with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for your salmon feast.

Step 2: Create Foil Cooking Vessels

Tear out four generously sized sheets of aluminum foil, each measuring around 12 inches. These will be your magical cooking pouches that seal in all the mouthwatering flavors.

Step 3: Assemble Flavor Parcels

Gently position a succulent salmon fillet in the heart of each foil sheet. Lovingly arrange crisp asparagus spears surrounding the fish, creating a beautiful green frame.

Step 4: Craft Garlic Butter Sauce

• Butter
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mince the garlic finely and mix with softened butter, creating a luxurious sauce that will transform your dish.

Step 5: Drizzle and Season

Pour the velvety garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 6: Seal the Packets

Carefully fold the foil edges, creating a tight seal that will trap steam and infuse the fish with incredible taste. Make sure the packets are completely closed to lock in moisture.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the foil packets onto a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.

Step 8: Unveil and Serve

Remove the packets from the oven and let them rest for a minute. Carefully open the foil, releasing a burst of aromatic steam. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality salmon meal straight from your home kitchen!

Pro Tips for Baked Salmon in Foil Perfection

• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select wild-caught or high-quality salmon with bright color and firm texture for best flavor and nutrition.
• Perfect Seasoning Technique: Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper evenly across salmon to enhance natural taste without overwhelming delicate fish.
• Prevent Overcooking: Check salmon at 10-12 minutes; fish is done when it flakes easily with fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe, moist result.
• Customize Butter Sauce: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme to personalize garlic butter sauce and add extra aromatic dimension.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular butter with dairy-free alternatives like olive oil or ghee for accommodating different dietary preferences without compromising taste.

Reheating and Storing Baked Salmon and Asparagus

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Warm salmon gently at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. This method helps maintain the fish's tender texture.
• If in a hurry, reheat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking. Drizzle a bit of water or butter to keep the salmon moist.
• Enjoy reheated salmon within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. Discard if fish develops an off smell or looks discolored.

Great Pairings for Baked Salmon and Asparagus

• Select a crisp, unoaked chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the salmon's rich, buttery texture and cut through the garlic butter sauce's richness.
• Create a light mixed green salad with fresh dill, lemon zest, and a light vinaigrette to echo the salmon's delicate flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Prepare simple roasted baby potatoes with lemon and rosemary to add a starchy side that balances the fish's protein and absorbs the garlic butter sauce.
• Serve a chilled sparkling water with fresh lemon or lime slices to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the meal's light, fresh profile.

Creative Variations on Baked Salmon in Foil

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular butter with dairy-free margarine and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Sodium Variation: Use fresh herbs like dill and thyme instead of salt, and opt for unsalted butter to reduce sodium content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap asparagus with zucchini slices and add chopped kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Herb Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes, fresh chopped basil, and a squeeze of lemon juice to give the salmon a zesty and vibrant profile without changing core cooking method.

Baked Salmon in Foil FAQs You’ll Want to Read

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F with a meat thermometer. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw completely in the refrigerator first. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking to ensure a crisp exterior.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are ideal. They have rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking. Ensure the fillet is fresh and has a bright color.

• Do I need to remove the skin before baking?

No, you can leave the skin on. The skin helps keep the salmon moist during cooking and can be easily removed after baking if you prefer. The skin also provides extra nutrients and flavor.

Why Everyone’s Raving About Baked Salmon in Foil

• Effortlessly create a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen time, using just a few basic ingredients and standard cooking tools.
• Pack a nutritious dinner combining omega-rich salmon and fiber-loaded asparagus in a single, easy-to-clean foil packet that seals in maximum flavor.
• Perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, nutritionally balanced dinner that can be customized with different herbs and seasonings to suit individual tastes.
• Transforms an intimidating protein like salmon into a foolproof dish that looks impressive enough for guests but simple enough for everyday cooking.

All Ingredients for Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus

• Salmon Fillet: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich flavor and tender texture, with omega-3 fatty acids for healthy eating. Atlantic or Pacific salmon work best, with skin-on or skinless options available.

• Asparagus Spears: Fresh green asparagus adds crisp texture and earthy flavor to the dish. Spring or thin asparagus spears are ideal for quick cooking and delicate presentation.

• Garlic, Butter, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic flavor combination that enhances salmon's natural taste. Fresh garlic provides more robust flavor compared to pre-minced versions. Unsalted butter allows better control of dish's saltiness.
• Lemon: Fresh citrus brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of salmon and butter. Meyer or regular lemons work well, with fresh-squeezed juice preferred over bottled.

• Aluminum Foil: Large sheets create a steaming environment for fish, locking in moisture and making clean-up easy. Heavy-duty aluminum foil prevents tearing during cooking.

Baked Salmon In Foil With Asparagus And Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to kitchen tables. Perfect weeknight dinners combine tender fish, crisp asparagus, and rich herb-infused butter for a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 pound/450 grams asparagus, trimmed
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Oils, Spices, and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for balance)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet and lay out individual foil packets, ensuring each piece is large enough to fully enclose the salmon and asparagus.
2. Position salmon fillets at the center of each foil sheet, arranging fresh asparagus spears symmetrically around the fish for even cooking.
3. Season the salmon generously with salt, pepper, and delicate herbs, distributing the seasoning evenly across the surface of the fish.
4. Melt butter in a small saucepan, incorporating minced garlic and fresh lemon zest to create a fragrant, rich sauce that will infuse the fish with robust flavor.
5. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce methodically over the salmon and asparagus, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
6. Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, creating tight but loose edges that allow steam to circulate and cook the fish evenly.
7. Transfer the sealed foil packets onto a rimmed baking sheet, positioning them in a single layer to promote uniform heat distribution.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
9. Remove the packets from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to complete the cooking process.
10. Unwrap the foil packets carefully, taking care to avoid steam, and plate the salmon and asparagus immediately for serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon for the most robust flavor and healthiest omega-3 benefits.
• Use thick, even salmon fillets to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Season generously with sea salt and cracked pepper right before baking to enhance natural fish taste.
• Fold foil packets loosely to allow steam circulation, creating a moist and tender salmon texture.
• Choose thin asparagus spears for quicker cooking and more delicate presentation.
• Drizzle garlic butter sauce just before serving to maintain its rich, aromatic quality.
• Consider swapping salmon with arctic char or trout for similar texture if salmon is unavailable.
• For gluten-free option, use ghee instead of butter in the sauce.
• Check salmon doneness by gently flaking with a fork – it should be opaque and easily separate.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg