This Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a tasty way to enjoy fish! The lemon gives it a fresh zing, while garlic and butter make it rich and flavorful. Cooking in foil keeps it juicy!
If you ask me, there’s something magical about pulling back that foil and revealing perfectly cooked salmon. I serve it with rice or veggies, and it always impresses family and friends! đđ
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet is key for this dish. If you canât find salmon, you can use trout or even tilapia. Just make sure whatever fish you choose has a comparable cooking time.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich flavor, but if you’re dairy-free, you can swap it out for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. It will still taste fantastic!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds that punch. If you’re out of fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can work, but fresh is always better!
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and slices brighten up the dish. If fresh lemons arenât available, bottled lemon juice will do; just be cautious of the amount as it can be more potent.
Asparagus: While asparagus pairs perfectly with salmon, feel free to substitute it with green beans or even broccoli if thatâs what you have on hand.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Getting the salmon just right is a must for this recipe. Follow these steps for success:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even cooking.
- Choose a piece of salmon thatâs uniform in thicknessâit cooks evenly this way.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. Salmon typically needs about 15-18 minutes at 400°F (200°C). It should flake easily with a fork when done.
- For added moisture, donât skip the lemon garlic butter mixture, which helps maintain juiciness.
With these tips in hand, youâll be able to whip up a delicious salmon dinner thatâs both quick and satisfying! Enjoy!
Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon In Foil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin on
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra lemon juice if desired)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of approximately 25-30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy yet impressive meal for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for ensuring the salmon cooks perfectly!
2. Prepare the Foil:
On a baking sheet, lay out a large piece of aluminum foil thatâs large enough to wrap around the salmon and asparagus. Make sure itâs big enough so you can seal the packet tightly.
3. Mix the Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano (if you’re using it). Stir well to ensure everything is mixed together nicely.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Place the salmon fillet in the center of the foil, skin-side down. Then, arrange the trimmed asparagus stalks nicely alongside the salmon, creating a beautiful presentation.
5. Add the Flavor:
Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon and asparagus, making sure to coat everything for maximum flavor.
6. Lemon Slices:
Lay thin slices of lemon atop the salmon, and feel free to scatter some around in the foil for added flavor.
7. Seal the Foil Packet:
Carefully fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus, pinching and folding the edges to seal the packet securely. This helps trap all the moisture and flavors inside while it bakes.
8. Bake the Salmon:
Place the foil packet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness; the salmon should flake easily with a fork and the asparagus should be tender.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully open the foil packet to avoid the steam when it releases. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of extra lemon juice if you like. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as rice, potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
This recipe yields a moist, flavorful salmon with a delicious garlic butter sauce and tender asparagus all cooked together in foil for easy cleanup!
FAQ for Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon In Foil
Can I Use Different Vegetables Instead of Asparagus?
Absolutely! While asparagus pairs wonderfully with salmon, you can easily substitute it with green beans, broccoli, or even zucchini. Just cut them to a similar size for even cooking.
How Do I Know When the Salmon is Done Cooking?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep an eye on the baking timeâaround 15-18 minutes should do the trick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead! Assemble the foil packet and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Whatâs the Best Way to Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep it moist.
