Juicy • Healthy • Foolproof (Step by Step)
This foil-baked salmon is tender, flaky, and infused with lemon garlic butter, while the asparagus cooks perfectly alongside—easy cleanup and big flavor.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- 2–3 salmon fillets (150–180 g / 5–6 oz each)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon + juice of ½ lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh dill or parsley
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Tear large sheets of aluminum foil.
Step 2: Arrange the Foil Packets
- Place asparagus in the center of each foil sheet.
- Lay salmon fillets on top of the asparagus.
- Season salmon with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Sauce & Seal
- Spoon the lemon garlic butter generously over salmon and asparagus.
- Fold foil tightly to seal the packets.
Step 5: Bake
- Place packets on a baking tray.
- Bake 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Salmon should flake easily with a fork.
Step 6: Optional Broil
- Carefully open foil (watch steam).
- Broil/grill 2–3 minutes for light browning (optional).
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
- Serve hot with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake—salmon dries quickly.
- Add cherry tomatoes or sliced zucchini for variety.
- For dairy-free, swap butter with olive oil.
🍽️ Why This Recipe Works
- Foil locks in moisture
- Lemon balances the richness
- One-pan cleanup