When you’re short on time but still craving a meal that’s nourishing, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy, this Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is your go-to recipe. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with fresh, zesty flavor, and best of all—ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
This elegant dish is perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or even a romantic date night in. Everything cooks together in a foil packet, locking in moisture and flavor, and leaving you with perfectly tender salmon and vibrant asparagus every time.
Why This Salmon Recipe Works
This baked salmon foil packet recipe is:
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Simple and Fast – Prep in 10 minutes, bake in 20, and dinner is done.
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Healthy and Balanced – Loaded with omega-3-rich salmon and fiber-packed asparagus.
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Easy to Clean Up – Cooking in foil means no mess.
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Versatile and Elegant – Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for a weeknight.
Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or a seasoned home chef, this is a foolproof method that yields delicious results every time.
Ingredients for Baked Salmon in Foil
Main Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets, skinless
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1 pound (454g) asparagus tips, ends trimmed
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2/3 cup (65g) grated fresh parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
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1/3 cup (75g) melted butter
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1/3 cup (125ml) fresh lemon juice
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 teaspoons (10ml) chopped fresh parsley
Garnish:
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Fresh parsley and lemon wedges
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
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Aluminum foil (4 sheets, 12”x18” or 30×45 cm each)
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Small mixing bowl
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Spoon or pastry brush
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Tongs or spatula
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Knife and cutting board
Optional: a zester if you want to add lemon zest for extra punch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get your baking sheet ready.
2. Prepare the Foil Packets
Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil and place a salmon fillet in the center of each. Arrange the asparagus around the fillets, dividing evenly.
3. Mix the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Melted butter
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Lemon juice
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Minced garlic
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Chopped parsley
4. Assemble and Season
Drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon and asparagus in each packet. Season with salt and pepper, then top each fillet with 2–3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
5. Seal the Packets
Fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the edges tightly to form a closed packet.
6. Bake
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender.
7. Serve
Carefully open each packet (watch out for steam!), garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and serve hot.
Pro Cooking Tips
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Choose Even Fillets: Uniform size ensures all salmon cooks at the same rate.
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Fresh Garlic Over Powder: For best flavor, always go with fresh garlic cloves.
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Add Zest: For an extra lemony hit, grate some zest over the fish before sealing.
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Use Parchment Paper + Foil: Line the foil with parchment to prevent sticking without compromising moisture.
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Broil for a Golden Top: Open the packets and broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a crispier Parmesan topping.
Recipe Variations
Make It Your Own:
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Add Cherry Tomatoes: Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness.
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Substitute Veggies: Use green beans, zucchini, or broccoli if asparagus isn’t your favorite.
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Switch the Cheese: Feta or goat cheese work beautifully as tangy alternatives.
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Use Fresh Herbs: Swap parsley for dill or basil depending on your flavor preference.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your baked salmon with:
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Lemon herb quinoa or brown rice
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
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A light green salad with vinaigrette
This dish is well-rounded on its own, but a side or two makes it feel like a complete meal.
Storage and Leftovers
How to Store:
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Place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container.
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Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
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Gently reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes.
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Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the salmon.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, but do so before baking. Assemble the foil packets and freeze them flat. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, adding 5–8 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely in the fridge before using, and pat dry with paper towels.
Is this recipe keto or low-carb?
Absolutely. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
What’s the best way to tell if salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes! Place the foil packets on a preheated grill over medium heat and cook for about 15 minutes.
Do I have to use foil?
You can use parchment paper as a liner inside foil or switch to an oven-safe baking dish with a lid.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a delicious reminder that healthy, flavorful meals don’t need to be complicated. It’s easy to prep, cooks in a flash, and looks gorgeous on the plate. Plus, you’ll love the way the foil locks in moisture, making each bite tender and juicy.
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