Description
This Savory Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Butter is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Fresh salmon fillets are seasoned and baked alongside crisp asparagus, infused with garlic, lemon juice, and a buttery broth, creating a moist, tender meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 fillets Salmon (fresh or frozen, high quality)
- 1 bunch Asparagus (can be substituted with broccoli or zucchini)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 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 (fresh recommended)
- 1 tsp Hot Sauce (adjust to taste; paprika can be used instead)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare Foil Sheets: Cut two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each measuring approximately 14 x 12 inches, for wrapping the salmon and asparagus.
- Make Broth Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the vegetable broth, fresh lemon juice, and hot sauce, stirring well to blend the flavors.
- Season Salmon and Arrange: Season the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Place each fillet in the center of a foil sheet, arranging the asparagus bunch next to the fish.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the salmon. Then, drizzle the broth mixture over both the salmon and asparagus to keep them moist during baking.
- Dot with Butter: Place small pieces of butter over the salmon and asparagus to add richness and enhance flavor as it melts.
- Seal Foil Packets: Fold the foil tightly around the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges but leaving enough space inside to allow steam circulation while baking.
- 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 steam burns. Optionally, garnish with extra lemon juice and fresh herbs before serving for added brightness and aroma.
Notes
- You can substitute asparagus with broccoli or zucchini according to preference.
- Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
- For a dairy-free option, replace butter with olive oil or ghee.
- If vegetable broth is unavailable, white wine serves as a flavorful alternative.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat tolerance, or use smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks and ensure even cooking.
