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Herb Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Recipe

4.7 from 148 reviews

Delicious and easy Herb Garlic Butter Salmon Foil packets combine tender salmon fillets with fresh lemon, asparagus, and a fragrant herb garlic butter, all steamed to perfection in foil. This healthy, flavorful meal comes together quickly and cooks evenly in the oven, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Vegetables

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Herb Garlic Butter

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp white wine or chicken broth (for extra steam)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Foil Packets: Cut four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12 by 15 inches each. Lay each sheet on a clean surface and lightly oil the center with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the salmon and vegetables from sticking during cooking.
  2. Making the Herb Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh dill, parsley, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to mash everything into a smooth, aromatic paste that will infuse the salmon with herbaceous flavor during cooking.
  3. Assembling & Cooking: Place a salmon fillet on the center of each foil sheet. Top each fillet with a few lemon slices, then add the asparagus pieces around the salmon. Evenly distribute the herb garlic butter over each fillet and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Pour 2 tablespoons of white wine or chicken broth onto each packet to generate steam. Fold the foil over the salmon and vegetables, sealing the edges tightly to create individual packets. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. After removing from the oven, allow the packets to rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening to avoid steam burns.

Notes

  • Be sure to tightly seal the foil packets to trap steam for moist, tender salmon and perfectly cooked asparagus.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted or adjusted according to preference, such as adding basil or chives.
  • If white wine or chicken broth is not available, use a small amount of water to create steam in the packets.
  • For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
  • Serve the foil packets with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Keywords: salmon foil packets, herb garlic butter salmon, baked salmon with asparagus, easy salmon dinner, healthy salmon recipe