Easy 30-Minute Baked Salmon With Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Succulent baked salmon with asparagus reimagines ordinary dinners into memorable culinary experiences.

Delicate fish pairs perfectly with vibrant green spears, creating a harmonious plate that delights the senses.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across the protein, awakening complex flavor profiles with minimal ingredients.

butter and citrus mingle to create a silky, bright sauce that complements the salmon rich texture.

Quick preparation makes this dish ideal for both weeknight meals and elegant entertaining.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe balances health-conscious eating with gourmet appeal.

Marine proteins shine when treated with simplicity and respect.

How to Bake Salmon with Asparagus, Lemon, Garlic and Butter Sauce Flawlessly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425°F and grab 2 sheets of aluminum foil. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Broth
• Fresh lemon juice
• Hot sauce
• Minced garlic
• Melted butter

Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and looking super delicious.

Step 3: Dress the Salmon and Asparagus

Generously season the salmon with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on the foil sheets alongside the crisp asparagus. Pour the zesty sauce all over, making sure everything gets a good coating.

Step 4: Create Cozy Flavor Packets

Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, trapping all those incredible flavors inside. This keeps the fish super moist and infuses everything with amazing taste.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the packets into the preheated oven and bake for 9-12 minutes. The salmon should be perfectly cooked and flaky.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Gently open the foil packets (watch out for steam!). Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Tips to Keep Baked Salmon with Asparagus Moist and Bright

• Select Fresh Ingredients: Choose wild-caught salmon with bright, firm flesh and bright green, crisp asparagus for the best flavor and texture.
• Perfectly Seal Foil Packets: Crimp edges tightly to lock in moisture and prevent sauce from leaking, ensuring the salmon steams beautifully while absorbing all the delicious seasonings.
• Control Cooking Time: Watch salmon closely and remove from oven when it's just opaque and flakes easily with a fork to prevent overcooking and maintain its tender, moist quality.
• Balance Sauce Proportions: Drizzle sauce sparingly to enhance flavor without drowning the salmon, allowing the natural fish and vegetable tastes to shine through.
• Elevate Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Salmon with Asparagus Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Carefully place fish and asparagus together, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading in the refrigerator.
• Shelf Life: Consume refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Discard if you notice any unusual smell or discoloration, which indicates potential spoilage.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated salmon gently in the oven at 275°F for best results. Wrap the fish in foil with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying, heating for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the salmon tough and rubbery.

Wines and Sides That Pair with Baked Salmon and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the delicate salmon and bright lemon sauce, cutting through the richness with their zesty, refreshing profile.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Side: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh parsley and a touch of lemon zest creates a complementary grain base that enhances the salmon's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Citrus Salad: A simple mixed green salad with orange segments, thinly sliced fennel, and a light citrus vinaigrette adds a vibrant, fresh contrast to the buttery, garlicky salmon.
• Recommend Chilled Sparkling Water: A glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime provides a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment that highlights the dish's subtle seafood and herb notes.

Variations of Baked Salmon with Asparagus That Add Excitement

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace hot sauce with oregano and add diced kalamata olives. Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Substitute hot sauce with chipotle pepper and cumin. Add black beans and corn kernels inside the foil packet for a zesty southwestern experience.
• Asian Fusion Approach: Switch hot sauce for soy sauce and ginger. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions to create an east-meets-west seafood sensation.
• Herb Garden Edition: Use fresh rosemary and thyme instead of hot sauce. Include sliced mushrooms and cherry tomatoes for an earthy, garden-fresh rendition of the original recipe.

Why Baked Salmon with Asparagus, Lemon, Garlic and Butter Sauce Feels So Fancy Yet Easy

• Quick and Clean Cooking: Foil packet method locks in flavors and reduces kitchen cleanup, making this salmon dish a hassle-free meal preparation.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: High-protein salmon combined with fiber-rich asparagus delivers a balanced, health-conscious meal loaded with essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: Bright lemon, spicy hot sauce, and aromatic garlic create a vibrant sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dining experience right at home.
• Speedy Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious, wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients That Bring Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Lemon to Life

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers the best flavor and nutrition for this dish.
• Asparagus: Crisp, green asparagus spears add a fresh and tender vegetable component to the recipe.

• Butter: Rich, creamy butter creates a luxurious base for the sauce and enhances overall flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy citrus juice that adds zesty freshness and helps tenderize the salmon.
• Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, garlic provides depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Hot Sauce: Adds a subtle kick of heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory notes to the cooking liquid.

• Parsley or Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a pop of color and bright, herbal finish to the dish.

Baked Salmon With Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent baked salmon meets Mediterranean charm with this elegant dish. Fragrant garlic, zesty lemon, and rich butter elevate asparagus and salmon into a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 450 g (1 pound) medium-thick asparagus, woody ends trimmed

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 4 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Liquid and Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons broth (vegetable or chicken)
• 3–4 tablespoons cubed butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C) and lay out two large, sturdy aluminum foil sheets on a clean, flat surface.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a dash of hot sauce, minced garlic, and melted butter until well combined and fragrant.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and generously season with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in the center of each prepared foil sheet, surrounding them with fresh asparagus spears.
5. Gently pour the aromatic sauce mixture over the salmon and asparagus, ensuring even distribution and coating.
6. Carefully fold and crimp the edges of the foil packets, creating a tight seal to trap steam and flavors during cooking.
7. Transfer the sealed foil packets to a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the salmon is perfectly cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute before carefully opening the packets to prevent steam burns.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Notes

• Marinate salmon briefly in the lemon-garlic sauce for deeper flavor infusion before wrapping.
• Select fresh, vibrant green asparagus with firm, tight tips for optimal texture and taste.
• Consider using parchment paper instead of foil for a more delicate cooking method and elegant presentation.
• Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to customize the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or light salad to balance the rich, buttery salmon.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking, Sautéing
• Cuisine: American-Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg