Of course! Baking salmon in foil (en papillote) is one of the best methods for achieving incredibly moist, flavorful, and foolproof fish. This recipe for Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a complete, healthy, and elegant meal with virtually no cleanup.
Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
The foil packet steams the salmon and asparagus, locking in moisture and infusing them with the delicious sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 2 (can be easily scaled up)
Ingredients
· 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skinless or skin-on
· ½ lb fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
· 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
· 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
· 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches each).
- Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Foil Packets:
· Place a portion of the asparagus spears in the center of each foil sheet. Drizzle with a little of the sauce.
· Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them on top of the asparagus beds.
· Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper.
· Pour the remaining garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
· Place a couple of lemon slices on top of each fillet if desired. - Seal the Packets:
· Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them down several times to create a sealed seam.
· Fold the short ends up and crimp to seal tightly, leaving a little room for air to circulate inside. The packet should be well-sealed to trap steam. - Bake:
· Place the foil packets on a baking sheet (this catches any potential leaks and makes them easy to move).
· Bake for 12-15 minutes for a 1-inch thick fillet. For well-done salmon, bake for 16-18 minutes. - Serve:
· Carefully open the foil packets (a lot of hot steam will release!). The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
· Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately right from the foil packet or plate it with the asparagus and drizzle the juices from the packet over the top.
Tips for Perfect Salmon in Foil
· Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook after you remove it from the oven. It’s better to slightly undercook it and check. If it’s not done, you can always seal the packet and put it back in for another minute or two.
· Check for Doneness: The internal temperature should be 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 135°F (57°C) for medium. It will become opaque and flake easily.
· Customize the Veggies: You can substitute or add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or thin green beans.
· Herb Variations: Use other fresh herbs like dill (a classic with salmon), thyme, or chives in place of or in addition to the parsley.
· Add a Splash of White Wine: For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) to each packet before sealing.
· Easy Cleanup: The best part about this method is that you can simply throw the foil away for a truly effortless cleanup!
This is a simple, healthy, and restaurant-quality meal you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. Enjoy