Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total: 30 min
This baked salmon in foil recipe is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner that tastes like fine dining with almost zero cleanup! Tender salmon fillets bake perfectly alongside crisp asparagus, all drenched in a lemon garlic butter sauce that melts right into the fish and veggies. It’s fresh, zesty, and satisfying — ideal for weeknights or special occasions
🧈 Ingredients
For the Salmon and Asparagus:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
🔥 How to Make
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil.
- Prepare the foil packets: Lay out 4 large pieces of aluminum foil. Divide the asparagus evenly in the center of each piece and drizzle with olive oil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets on top of the asparagus. Season each with salt and pepper.
- Mix the lemon garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce evenly over each salmon fillet. Add a few lemon slices on top.
- Seal the foil packets by folding the sides over the salmon and crimping the ends tightly to close.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Fluffy white rice or garlic butter quinoa
- Roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower
- A crisp garden salad or steamed broccoli
- A chilled glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon — it’s ready when it flakes easily!
- Swap asparagus for green beans or zucchini if desired.
- You can grill the foil packets instead of baking — about 10–12 minutes over medium heat.
