Let me tell you, baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic butter sauce is one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just toss everything together, wrap it up, and pop it in the oven. The salmon turns out so tender and flaky, while the asparagus gets that perfect crisp-tender bite. And oh, that garlic butter sauce? It’s like a flavor explosion that ties everything together! I remember the first time I made this for friends; they couldn’t believe how easy it was! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering. Plus, clean-up is a breeze with the foil! What’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on preferred for extra flavor and moisture
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and tough ends removed for the best texture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted to create that luscious garlic butter sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced finely for a robust flavor kick
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced to add a bright, zesty finish
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is key!
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish and a pop of color
How to Prepare Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Butter Sauce
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial to ensure your salmon cooks perfectly! While that’s heating up, grab a large piece of aluminum foil and lay it out flat on a baking sheet. I like to make it big enough to create a nice little pocket for the salmon and asparagus, so don’t skimp on size! This way, you’ll have plenty of room to fold it over tightly later on.
Arranging the Salmon and Asparagus
Now, let’s get those salmon fillets in the center of the foil. If you can, leave a little space between them for even cooking. Next, take your trimmed asparagus and arrange it around the salmon. You want those vibrant green spears to be nestled in there nicely! This not only looks beautiful but allows the flavors to mingle as they cook together.
Mixing and Applying the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix up your melted butter with the minced garlic until it’s well combined—this is where the magic happens! Drizzle that garlic butter mixture generously over the salmon and asparagus. Make sure to coat everything evenly; this will give you that incredible flavor that ties this whole dish together.
Seasoning and Baking
Time to season! Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything, then lay those lemon slices right on top. The lemon adds a lovely brightness that complements the richness of the salmon. Now, carefully fold the foil into a tight packet, sealing it well so all those delicious juices stay inside. Bake your creation in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if your salmon fillets are a bit thicker, you might need to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
Serving the Dish
Once it’s done, carefully open the foil packet—watch out for the steam! It’s like a little treasure chest of flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and flavor before serving. Trust me, everyone will be amazed at how beautiful and delicious this dish looks and tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Healthy ingredients that are packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free meal.
- Flavorful garlic butter sauce that adds a rich, savory touch to the dish.
- Easy cleanup with foil—just toss it away when you’re done!
- Versatile dish that can be served with various sides, like rice or salad.
- Beautiful presentation—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
- Simple enough for beginner cooks but delicious enough to wow anyone!
Tips for Success
To make sure your baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic butter sauce turns out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share!
- Check for Doneness: The best way to test if your salmon is cooked through is by using a fork. If it flakes easily and the flesh is opaque, you’re good to go! The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) if you want to be precise.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep in mind that the thickness of your salmon fillets will affect cooking time. Thicker fillets may need an extra couple of minutes, while thinner ones will cook faster. It’s always better to check a little earlier than to risk overcooking.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to switch up the asparagus with other veggies! Broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini work wonderfully too. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Herbs and Spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices to the garlic butter sauce. A sprinkle of dill or a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor even more!
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftovers, they can be great in salads or wraps the next day. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be able to whip up this dish like a pro and impress everyone at the table! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic butter sauce. Keep in mind, these values are approximations and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also provides a healthy dose of protein and good fats, making it a great choice for a nutritious meal. Enjoy knowing that you’re treating yourself well while indulging in something so tasty!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic butter sauce? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook it from frozen, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly—just keep an eye on it!
What can I substitute for asparagus?
You can swap asparagus with a variety of veggies! Broccoli, green beans, or even zucchini work great. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat them gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even some sliced onions. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly with the salmon and asparagus.
These tips should help you make this dish even easier and more delicious. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious leftovers of your baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic butter sauce? Lucky you! To store them properly, just let the foil packet cool down a bit, then transfer the contents to an airtight container. This will keep everything fresh and flavorful. You can store these in the fridge for up to 2 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
When it’s time to reheat, you’ll want to do it gently to maintain that lovely texture. If you’ve got the time, the oven is your best friend here. Preheat it to around 350°F (175°C), place your salmon and asparagus in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through—just don’t overdo it, or the salmon might dry out!
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop the portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it from drying out), and heat in short bursts of about 30 seconds, checking in between until it’s warmed to your liking. And voilà! You’re ready to enjoy this tasty dish again!
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Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus: 7 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic butter sauce is a simple and healthy dish. It combines tender salmon with fresh asparagus, all cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet.
- Place the salmon fillets in the center of the foil.
- Arrange the asparagus around the salmon.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and minced garlic.
- Drizzle the garlic butter over the salmon and asparagus.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with lemon slices.
- Fold the foil into a packet, sealing it tightly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
- Carefully open the foil packet and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- You can add other vegetables if desired.
- Serve with rice or a salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with asparagus
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: baked salmon, foil salmon, asparagus, garlic butter, healthy dinner