This easy baked salmon is wrapped in foil with tasty lemon garlic butter. It cooks quickly, making it a great weeknight meal with all the fresh flavors without any fuss!
The best part? When you open the foil, you get a wonderful smell that’s hard to resist! I love serving it with some veggies on the side for a complete meal—simple and full of flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: A fresh salmon fillet is perfect here. I love using wild salmon when I can for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, trout or even tilapia work, but adjust cooking times as they can cook faster.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch! If you can’t find it, green beans or broccoli are great alternatives that still pair well with salmon.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a wonderful punch. For convenience, you can use garlic powder—about 1/4 teaspoon will do. However, fresh garlic is my favorite for better flavor.
Butter: I go for unsalted butter so I can control the salt. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine instead!
Lemon: Fresh lemon is best for that zesty flavor. If you have lemon juice on hand, about a tablespoon can substitute, but it won’t be quite as bright.
How Do You Ensure the Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfect salmon is all about timing. To ensure it turns out flaky and tender, follow these tips:
- Check the thickness of your salmon. A 6 oz fillet takes around 15-18 minutes at 400°F. Thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes.
- Keep the foil packet tightly sealed to trap steam, which helps the fish cook evenly.
- To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork or knife. If it flakes easily, it’s ready!
- Let it rest a few minutes after removing it from the oven. It continues cooking slightly from residual heat.
Using these tips can help you enjoy a beautifully cooked salmon every time!
Easy Baked Salmon Foil Pack with Lemon Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 salmon fillet (about 6 oz)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to get this delicious dish on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s happening, prepare a large piece of aluminum foil and lay it out on a baking sheet. This will make cleanup easy!
2. Add Asparagus:
Take the trimmed asparagus and place it in the center of the foil. Drizzle a little melted butter over the asparagus, sprinkle with salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly.
3. Place the Salmon:
Now, put the salmon fillet right on top of the asparagus. This way, it will soak up all those tasty flavors while cooking!
4. Make the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining melted butter with the minced garlic. This delicious mixture will be poured over the salmon.
5. Season the Salmon:
Pour the garlic butter evenly over the salmon, making sure it’s all covered. Then, give it a sprinkle of salt and pepper to your liking. Lay two lemon slices on top of the salmon for that fresh citrus flavor!
6. Seal the Foil Packet:
Now fold the edges of the foil up and seal the packet tightly. This keeps all the moisture in so your salmon and asparagus cook perfectly!
7. Bake:
Pop the foil packet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve:
Carefully open the foil (watch out for steam!) and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, and enjoy your delightful salmon with buttery asparagus and lemon garlic flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful and tender baked salmon in foil with fresh asparagus and bright lemon garlic butter! It’s a simple meal that feels special!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it first! You can thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe for the best results.
What Other Vegetables Can I Use Instead of Asparagus?
If asparagus isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with green beans, broccoli, or zucchini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as some vegetables may cook faster than asparagus!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to cook, just pop them in the preheated oven. This is a great option for busy weeknights!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon and asparagus in the oven or microwave until heated through, being careful not to overcook the fish.
