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Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows for a quick and efficient bake that perfectly cooks both the salmon and asparagus. - Prepare the Foil Packets:
Lay out 4 large pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap a single salmon fillet and some asparagus. Place them on a baking sheet, ready to assemble. - Season the Salmon and Asparagus:
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the salmon fillets and asparagus to coat them evenly.
- Sprinkle the salmon with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the asparagus with a pinch of salt and pepper, ensuring that it’s evenly coated in the seasoning.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined. - Assemble the Foil Packets:
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil.
- Arrange the asparagus around the salmon, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You can slightly bend the asparagus to fit it around the fish.
- Spoon a generous amount of the lemon garlic butter sauce over each fillet and asparagus bundle. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed, so both the fish and vegetables are coated.
- Seal the Foil Packets:
Fold the edges of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, creating a sealed packet. This will trap the steam and moisture, cooking the ingredients perfectly without losing any of the flavors. - Bake the Salmon and Asparagus:
Place the foil packets in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). - Serve:
Carefully remove the foil packets from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before opening. Be cautious of the hot steam that will escape when you unfold the foil. Once opened, garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of freshness. Serve the salmon and asparagus directly from the foil packets or transfer them to serving plates.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides to create a full, satisfying dinner:
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are a great complement to the tender salmon and asparagus.
- Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain such as rice or quinoa can soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Mixed Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a contrast to the richness of the salmon and sauce.
Tips for Success
- Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen salmon fillets, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even baking.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Overcooking salmon can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on it while baking, and check the fish’s internal temperature toward the end of the cooking time.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to the foil packets for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With the perfect balance of tender salmon, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that is sure to impress both family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special occasion meal, this recipe delivers on taste, health benefits, and simplicity.
So, next time you’re craving a nutritious and delicious meal, give this recipe a try. It’s a foolproof way to make a satisfying dinner that combines the richness of salmon with the freshness of asparagus and the irresistible flavors of lemon and garlic. Enjoy!
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