Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic

This baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic is one of those dinners that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together.

It’s healthy, fast, absolutely bursting with flavor, and bonus, cleanup takes seconds.

You pop everything onto a sheet of foil, drizzle it with garlicky lemon butter, wrap it up, and bake.

The result? Perfectly tender salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and that golden buttery lemon sauce that tastes like sunshine.

Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this is a weeknight hero you’ll come back to again and again.

🕒 Quick Summary (for the “just tell me how to make it” crowd)

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total: 25 minutes

• Serves: 2–4

• Method: Baked in foil packets

• Flavor profile: Lemon, garlic, buttery, bright, fresh

• Keywords: baked salmon in foil, salmon foil packets, lemon garlic salmon, healthy salmon dinner, easy salmon recipe, baked salmon and asparagus

Why you’ll love it:
✅ One pan, zero mess
✅ Ready in 20 minutes
✅ Juicy salmon, perfectly cooked every time
✅ Fresh, healthy, and satisfying

💛 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Let’s be honest: salmon can be tricky. A few minutes too long in the oven and it goes from tender to dry in a blink. That’s why baking it in foil packets is pure genius, it locks in steam so your fish cooks gently and stays moist.

The asparagus roasts right alongside the salmon, soaking up all that garlicky lemon butter. It’s an entire meal in one little foil parcel. The kind of dish that feels light, bright, and restaurant-worthy but made right in your kitchen.

This recipe is also one of the easiest ways to eat more fish. It’s low-carb, high-protein, gluten-free, and absolutely brimming with flavor. No complicated sauces, no frying pans to scrub. Just good food made simple.

🛒 Ingredients (with Notes and Tips)

Here’s what you need to make this baked salmon in foil with asparagus and lemon garlic:

Salmon Fillets, 4 pieces (about 6 oz / 170 g each)

• Use fresh or thawed salmon, skin-on or skinless—your choice!

• Wild salmon is leaner and more delicate in flavor, while farmed salmon tends to be richer and a bit more forgiving to cook.

• 💡 Tip: If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely before cooking so it cooks evenly.

Asparagus, 1 bunch

• Choose thin or medium asparagus spears. Thicker ones can take longer to cook.

• Trim off the woody ends (the bottom 1–2 inches).

Garlic, 3 cloves, minced

• Fresh garlic makes all the difference.

• If you’re a garlic lover (hi, me too), you can even go for 4 cloves.

Lemon, 1 large

• You’ll use both zest and juice.

• The zest gives that lovely aromatic citrus flavor, while the juice adds brightness and freshness.

• Cut an extra lemon into wedges for serving.

Unsalted Butter, 2 tablespoons (melted)

• For a rich, velvety sauce.

• Swap for olive oil if you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter flavor.

Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon

• Helps everything roast beautifully and keeps the salmon from sticking.

Salt and Pepper, to taste

• Don’t skip this! Salt brings the whole dish to life.

• I like to use flaky sea salt if I have it—it adds a lovely finishing touch.

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley or dill – chopped for color and a pop of freshness.

• Red pepper flakes – if you want a little kick.

• Lemon slices – for presentation and a little extra flavor while baking.

🍴 How to Make Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic

This recipe is a classic example of less-is-more cooking. You’ll be amazed how something so simple tastes so incredible.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a large baking sheet with foil or prepare four individual foil sheets if you want single servings.

💡 Why 400°F?
That’s the sweet spot for roasting salmon, it cooks quickly and evenly while keeping it juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon and Asparagus

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick).

• Trim the asparagus and place it on one side of each foil sheet.

• Lay the salmon fillets next to the asparagus, skin-side down if using skin-on fish.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• Melted butter

• Minced garlic

• Lemon zest

• Lemon juice

Whisk it together. The aroma right here will already make your kitchen smell amazing!

If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little smoked paprika for depth.

Step 4: Season and Drizzle

• Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salmon and asparagus.

• Season everything with salt and pepper.

• Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet.

• If you’re feeling fancy, lay a thin slice of lemon on each fillet.

Step 5: Fold and Seal the Foil

Bring the long sides of the foil up and fold them together to create a loose packet. Then fold the ends to seal.

The goal is to create a pocket of steam—not too tight, not too loose.
This steam is what keeps your salmon beautifully moist.

Step 6: Bake

Place the foil packets on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.

💡 Pro Tip:
Thinner fillets (about 1-inch thick) will be done around 12 minutes.
Thicker ones may take closer to 15.

You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.

Step 7: Optional Broil (for a golden top)

If you like a bit of color, open up the foil packets and broil for 2–3 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t overcook!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully open the packets (steam is hot!) and transfer the salmon and asparagus to plates.
Spoon the lemon garlic butter from the packet over the top—it’s liquid gold.

Garnish with chopped parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.

🥂 What to Serve with Baked Salmon in Foil

This dish is versatile enough to pair with so many sides.

Easy starches:

• Steamed rice or brown rice

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Quinoa or couscous

Fresh salads:

• Cucumber tomato salad with feta

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Arugula and shaved Parmesan

Extras:

• Crusty bread (to mop up the sauce!)

• A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side

🍋 Why Baking in Foil Works So Well

Cooking salmon in foil is like giving it its own little steam oven.
The foil traps moisture, infusing the fish with flavor while preventing it from drying out.

Plus, there’s no cleanup drama.
Just toss the foil when you’re done—no greasy pan, no burnt bits to scrub.

And because you’re baking everything together, the asparagus soaks up the lemon garlic butter too. Every bite feels balanced and fresh.

🔄 Variations You’ll Love

Once you master this base recipe, you can easily switch it up:

1. Mediterranean Style

Add cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and a sprinkle of oregano before sealing the packets.

2. Asian-Inspired

Replace butter with sesame oil, add soy sauce, grated ginger, and a drizzle of honey.

3. Cajun Twist

Season the salmon with Cajun spice mix before drizzling on the butter.

4. Creamy Dill Version

After baking, stir a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the sauce for a creamy touch.

5. Sheet Pan Option

Don’t want to make packets? Line a tray with foil, place everything on top, and cover loosely with another sheet of foil. Works just as well.

🧂 Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook. That’s the #1 salmon mistake. Check early!

• Let it rest for a couple of minutes before opening—this helps redistribute the juices.

• Add the lemon zest before baking but fresh lemon juice after baking if you like a bright pop of acidity.

• For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan or breadcrumbs on the asparagus before baking.

🍷 Wine Pairing

If you enjoy wine, this dish pairs beautifully with:

• Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, citrusy, refreshing

• Chardonnay – buttery notes complement the garlic butter sauce

• Pinot Grigio – light and floral, great for summer evenings

🧡 Why You’ll Make This Again (and Again)

Every time I make this, I’m reminded why it’s such a keeper. It’s one of those “no-fail” recipes that works even when you’re tired, distracted, or short on time.

The salmon turns out juicy, the asparagus tender, and the lemon garlic sauce ties everything together in perfect harmony. It looks like something from a restaurant, but it’s easy enough for a Tuesday night.

No smoke, no splatter, no fuss. Just a bright, wholesome, satisfying dinner that everyone at the table loves.

💬 Your Turn!

If you try this Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic, I’d love to hear what you think!
Leave a comment below and share your tweaks, I know some of you will add chili flakes or Parmesan, and I fully support that 😄.

And if you’re pinning this for later (smart move!), you can find me on Pinterest.

Happy cooking.

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