Imagine a restaurant-quality meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also ridiculously easy to prepare. This Baked Lemon Salmon and Asparagus Foil Pack is your ticket to a gourmet dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who wants a healthy and quick meal, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon and asparagus cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare two large pieces of aluminum foil, about 12 inches long. These will be used to create the foil packs for baking.
- In a mixing bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the salmon fillets and asparagus. Toss gently to coat them evenly in the oil.
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil. Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the salmon fillets.
- Season the salmon fillets and asparagus with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous, as this will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Lay the lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets, distributing them evenly. The lemon will infuse the salmon with a bright, fresh flavor as it bakes.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, creating a sealed packet. Make sure the packets are tightly closed to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the foil packets to rest for a few minutes before opening, as steam will escape when unwrapped.
- Open the foil packets and serve the baked lemon salmon and asparagus directly from the foil or transfer to plates. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select salmon fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking, and pick asparagus spears that are firm and bright green.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave some space in the foil pack for steam to circulate, which helps cook the salmon and asparagus perfectly.
- Check Salmon Doneness: Salmon is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Customize Your Flavors: Experiment with herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley. You can also add garlic, butter, or your favorite seasoning blend.
- Prevent Sticking: Lightly oil the foil before placing ingredients to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the foil pack to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
