🐟 Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus & Lemon Garlic Butter
Mediterranean-Style Recipe
This Mediterranean baked salmon is tender, flaky, and infused with bright lemon, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Wrapped in foil, the salmon gently steams in its own juices along with crisp asparagus, creating a light yet flavorful dish inspired by coastal cooking from Greece, Italy, and southern France.
It’s healthy, elegant, and incredibly easy — perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
📝 Description
The salmon is baked in foil packets with asparagus spears and topped with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce blended with olive oil and Mediterranean herbs. The foil locks in moisture, keeping the fish juicy and tender while the asparagus cooks to crisp-tender perfection.
The result:
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Buttery yet fresh
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Bright citrus aroma
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Light Mediterranean herbs
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Minimal cleanup
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (about 170–200 g / 6 oz each)
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1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 lemon, sliced
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Optional: pinch red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2️⃣ Prepare Foil Packets
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Cut 4 large sheets of aluminum foil.
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Place salmon fillet in the center of each.
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Arrange asparagus beside or under the salmon.
3️⃣ Season
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Drizzle olive oil over salmon and asparagus.
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Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
4️⃣ Make Lemon Garlic Butter
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In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
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Spoon generously over each salmon fillet.
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Top with lemon slices.
5️⃣ Seal & Bake
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Fold foil over the salmon and seal tightly to create packets.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
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Salmon should flake easily with a fork (internal temp 63°C / 145°F).
6️⃣ Serve
Carefully open packets (steam will escape). Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions (Mediterranean Style)
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Serve with warm pita or crusty bread
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Add a side of couscous or lemon rice
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Pair with a Greek salad
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Drizzle extra virgin olive oil before serving
🔥 Tips for Perfect Salmon
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Do not overcook — salmon continues cooking after removing from oven.
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Use fresh lemon juice for brighter flavor.
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For golden top, open foil and broil 2 minutes at the end.
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Add cherry tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean character.
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before baking to prevent excess water.
Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil.
Q3: How do I know when salmon is done?
It flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. Internal temperature should reach 63°C (145°F).
Q4: Can I cook everything in one large foil packet?
Yes, but individual packets cook more evenly and look elegant for serving.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Q6: Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes! Place foil packets on medium grill heat for 12–15 minutes.
