Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus in Foil: A Simple and Flavorful Delight

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to clean up? Look no further than this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus, cooked in a foil packet. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with crisp asparagus, all enveloped in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want something both elegant and effortless.

Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Foil Packets: Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil, enough to wrap the salmon and asparagus securely. Place each piece of foil on a baking sheet.

Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your choice of dried herbs. Stir well to blend all the flavors.

Assemble the Packets: Place a handful of asparagus in the center of each foil piece. Drizzle a bit of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the asparagus. Top each bundle with a salmon fillet, skin side down. Season the salmon with salt and pepper, and drizzle more of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top.

Seal the Packets: Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, crimping the edges to seal them tightly. This will help to trap the steam and flavors inside as the ingredients cook.

Bake: Place the foil packets on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender but still crisp.

Serve: Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam) and transfer the contents to plates. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Success
Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the salmon and asparagus will greatly impact the final dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.

Adjust Cooking Time: If your salmon fillets are particularly thick, you may need to increase the baking time slightly. Conversely, if you prefer your asparagus more tender, you can pre-cook it slightly before adding it to the packets.

Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste. Dill, basil, or even a dash of red pepper flakes can add a unique twist.

Why This Recipe Works
Cooking salmon and asparagus together in foil packets allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The foil traps steam, keeping the salmon moist and tender while infusing the vegetables with the rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This method also makes cleanup a breeze, as everything cooks in one package.

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus is not just about great taste—it’s also about convenience and simplicity. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, you can enjoy a gourmet meal without the hassle. Give it a try for your next dinner and savor the delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite!