Imagine impressing your dinner guests with a restaurant-quality meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. This Salmon and Asparagus in Foil recipe is your secret weapon to creating a delicious, healthy, and elegant dinner that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef. With just a few simple ingredients and some aluminum foil, you'll transform ordinary salmon and fresh asparagus into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 lemon slices
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the salmon and asparagus cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare two large pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. This will be used to create individual packets for the salmon and asparagus.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will be used to season the salmon and asparagus.
- Place the trimmed asparagus in the center of each piece of foil. Drizzle half of the olive oil mixture over the asparagus, tossing lightly to coat.
- Lay one salmon fillet on top of the asparagus in each foil packet. Season the salmon fillets with the remaining olive oil mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Top each salmon fillet with a slice of lemon. This will add a refreshing citrus flavor to the dish as it cooks.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, sealing the packets tightly to trap the steam and flavors inside.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The asparagus should be tender yet still vibrant in color.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the foil packets sit for a couple of minutes before opening them to allow the steam to escape.
- Garnish with fresh dill before serving for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
- Serve the salmon and asparagus directly in the foil packets or transfer to plates for a beautiful presentation.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a bright, vibrant color and firm texture.
- Trim asparagus ends to ensure tender, crisp stalks that cook evenly.
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and ensure proper steam sealing.
- Don't overcook the salmon - it should be just opaque and easily flake with a fork.
- For extra flavor, experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary in addition to dill.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before sealing the packets.
- Check salmon's doneness by ensuring its internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Let the packets rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a complete meal, serve with a simple side of rice or quinoa.
- Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 80mg
