Introduction:
Experience a burst of flavor with our Baked Salmon with Asparagus, Lemon, Garlic, and Butter Sauce recipe. This dish combines tender salmon fillets, fresh asparagus spears, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter sauce, all baked to perfection in individual foil packets. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a hassle-free way to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes (or margarine)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro
- 450g medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut two sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each measuring approximately 14″ x 12″ (35 x 30 cm), and place them individually on your work surface.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a bowl, combine the vegetable or chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce to make the garlic butter sauce.
- Season the Salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on the foil near the center of each sheet. Arrange the sliced asparagus on one side of the salmon, following the long direction of the fillets.
- Drizzle with Garlic Butter Sauce: Adjust the seasoning of the salmon with more salt and pepper if desired, then sprinkle minced garlic on top. Generously drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the salmon and asparagus.
- Add Butter Cubes: Divide the cubes of butter evenly among the foil packets, placing them over the salmon and asparagus.
- Wrap the Foil Packets: Roll up the foil packets and crimp the edges together, then roll up the ends. Make sure not to wrap them too tightly, leaving some space inside for heat circulation.
- Bake the Salmon: Transfer the foil packets to a baking sheet and bake the salmon, seam side up, until the salmon is cooked through, approximately 9 to 12 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap the baked salmon foil packets, drizzle with additional lemon juice if desired, and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and lemon wedges.
Notes:
- Ensure the foil packets are tightly sealed to trap the steam and juices, resulting in moist and flavorful salmon.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, and hot sauce according to your personal preference.
Cook Techniques:
- To prevent the asparagus from overcooking, arrange them alongside the salmon and ensure they are of similar thickness.
- Check the doneness of the salmon by gently pressing on the thickest part with a fork; it should flake easily.
FAQs:
Can I use other vegetables instead of asparagus? Yes, you can substitute asparagus with green beans, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for variation.
Is it necessary to use heavy-duty aluminum foil? While heavy-duty aluminum foil is recommended for durability, you can double up on regular aluminum foil to ensure the packets are sturdy enough to hold the ingredients.
Conclusion:
Elevate your dinner table with the exquisite flavors of our Baked Salmon with Asparagus, Lemon, Garlic, and Butter Sauce. With its tantalizing blend of ingredients and effortless preparation, this dish is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this savory and aromatic salmon recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
More Recipe Suggestions and Combinations:
- Serve this Baked Salmon alongside a side salad or steamed rice for a complete and balanced meal.
- Try experimenting with different herbs such as dill or thyme for added freshness and aroma.
- For a burst of color, add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers to the foil packets before baking.
