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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet and lay out individual foil packets, ensuring each piece is large enough to fully enclose the salmon and asparagus.
- Position salmon fillets at the center of each foil sheet, arranging fresh asparagus spears symmetrically around the fish for even cooking.
- Season the salmon generously with salt, pepper, and delicate herbs, distributing the seasoning evenly across the surface of the fish.
- 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.
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce methodically over the salmon and asparagus, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor penetration.
- Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, creating tight but loose edges that allow steam to circulate and cook the fish evenly.
- Transfer the sealed foil packets onto a rimmed baking sheet, positioning them in a single layer to promote uniform heat distribution.
- 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.
- Remove the packets from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the residual heat to complete the cooking process.
- 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