Description
This quick and healthy baked salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets paired with fresh asparagus, all cooked in foil packets to lock in moisture and flavors. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs for a deliciously simple meal that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Dill, parsley, or paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus to ensure they cook evenly and have a pleasant texture.
- Assemble the foil packets: Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking tray. Place a handful of asparagus spears in the center of the foil.
- Place the salmon: Lay a salmon fillet on top of the asparagus, making sure the skin side is down to help retain moisture.
- Add seasoning and flavor: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salmon and asparagus. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from the lemon slices over the top, then sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and your choice of herbs like dill, parsley, or paprika evenly over the salmon.
- Seal the foil packets: Fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus tightly, crimping the edges to create a sealed packet that will trap steam and flavors during baking.
- Bake the salmon: Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon fillets; thicker pieces may require closer to 25 minutes.
- Check for doneness: Carefully open one foil packet and check the salmon. It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Use skin-on salmon fillets for added moisture and flavor.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of salmon: thicker fillets may need more time.
- You can customize seasoning with herbs such as dill, parsley, or paprika as preferred.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
- Be cautious when opening foil packets to avoid steam burns.
