Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus additional for garnish

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Foil:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut four sheets of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap each salmon fillet and asparagus bundle.

2. Prepare the Asparagus:

• Place the asparagus on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Foil Packets:

• On each foil sheet, place a portion of the asparagus. Lay a salmon fillet on top of the asparagus.
• Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place a couple of lemon slices on top of each fillet.

4. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
• Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, honey (if using), and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Pour the Sauce and Seal the Packets:

• Drizzle the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus.
• Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, covering completely; seal the packets closed.

6. Bake:

• Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the asparagus is tender.

7. Serve:

• Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam).
• Serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon in Foil:

• Foil Sealing: Ensure the foil packets are sealed well to keep the steam in, which helps in cooking the salmon and asparagus perfectly.
• Doneness Check: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
• The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color.

This Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when cooked correctly, can create a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy this easy-to-make, delicious recipe any night of the week!

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