Name: Baked Salmon with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 bunch of asparagus; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Zest of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon slices, for garnish

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If you’re looking for a dish that is both elegant and easy to prepare, look no further than Baked Salmon with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Sauce.

Baked Salmon with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Sauce Recipe

This recipe is the epitome of simplicity meeting sophistication, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing dinner guests. The combination of tender salmon, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon garlic sauce creates a meal that is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to prepare this delightful dish step by step. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you master the art of cooking salmon in foil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, this dish takes less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!
Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while asparagus provides fiber and essential vitamins.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in foil means fewer dishes to wash.
Bursting with Flavor: The lemon garlic sauce adds a tangy, buttery brightness that elevates the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious baked salmon with asparagus and lemon garlic sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:

4 salmon fillets
1 bunch of fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature for your salmon and asparagus.

2. Prepare the Foil Packets

Cut large pieces of aluminum foil, enough to wrap each salmon fillet and accompanying asparagus. Place one salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil. Arrange a few asparagus spears alongside the salmon.

3. Season the Base Ingredients

Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and asparagus. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning forms the base of your dish.

4. Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the chopped garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, and chopped parsley. This sauce is the star of the show, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.

5. Add the Sauce

Spoon the lemon garlic sauce evenly over each salmon fillet and asparagus bundle. Be generous—this sauce is what makes the dish shine!

6. Seal the Foil Packets

Fold the edges of the foil tightly around the salmon and asparagus to create sealed packets. Make sure there are no gaps to lock in moisture and flavors during cooking.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and transfer the salmon and asparagus to serving plates. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, healthy meal!

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh salmon and asparagus for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying it out. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Customize Your Vegetables: While asparagus pairs beautifully with salmon, feel free to substitute or add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini for variety.
Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute olive oil for butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Health Benefits of Baked Salmon with Asparagus

This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly nutritious! Here are some of the health benefits you can enjoy:

Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. It’s also a great source of high-quality protein and vitamin D.
Asparagus: Packed with fiber, vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as folate. Asparagus is also low in calories and high in antioxidants.
Lemon Garlic Sauce: Lemon juice provides vitamin C, while garlic offers immune-boosting properties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?

A: Yes! If using frozen salmon fillets, make sure to thaw them completely before preparing this recipe to ensure even cooking.

Q: Can I grill this instead of baking it?

A: Absolutely! You can place the foil packets on a preheated grill over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes. The result will be just as delicious with a slightly smoky flavor.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or a fresh green salad for added variety.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftover salmon and asparagus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the foil packets a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Baked Salmon with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Sauce is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves healthy, flavorful meals that are easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

So why not give it a try tonight? With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!