Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

SAVE THIS!

Description

This baked salmon in foil is tender, flaky, and infused with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. Cooking everything sealed in foil locks in moisture, prevents overcooking, and creates a complete, elegant meal with minimal cleanup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet refined enough for guests.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the Salmon & Vegetables

• 1½ lb (680 g) salmon fillet (skin on or off)
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Flavor Boosters

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (balances the lemon)
• Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or thyme)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of heavy-duty foil.
2. Prepare the foil packet
   Place asparagus in the center of the foil. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Lay the salmon on top.
3. Make the garlic lemon butter sauce
   In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon (if using), and honey (if using).
4. Season and seal
   Pour the sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus. Add herbs if desired.
   Fold the foil tightly to seal, leaving a little space for steam.
5. Bake
   Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
   Open foil carefully and broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a lightly golden top.
6. Rest and serve
   Let rest 2 minutes. Spoon pan juices over salmon before serving.

Tips for Perfect Salmon

• Choose center-cut fillets for even cooking
• Don’t overbake—salmon is done at 52–54°C (125–130°F) internally
• Keep foil sealed until the end to retain moisture
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning for better texture

Optional Variations

• Mediterranean: Add cherry tomatoes and olives
• Spicy: Add chili flakes or chili oil
• Creamy finish: Swirl in 1 tbsp cream or crème fraîche after baking
• Low-carb/Keto: Use extra butter and herbs, skip honey

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 38 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g

Origin & Inspiration

Foil-baked fish has roots in classic French “en papillote” cooking, a technique designed to gently steam food in its own juices—maximizing flavor while preserving nutrients.

Conclusion

This baked salmon in foil with asparagus and garlic lemon butter sauce delivers restaurant-quality results with home-kitchen simplicity. Moist, aromatic, and beautifully balanced, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.