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### **Instructions**:
1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows for a quick and efficient bake that perfectly cooks both the salmon and asparagus.
2. **Prepare the Foil Packets**:
Lay out 4 large pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap a single salmon fillet and some asparagus. Place them on a baking sheet, ready to assemble.
3. **Season the Salmon and Asparagus**:
– Drizzle a little olive oil over the salmon fillets and asparagus to coat them evenly.
– Sprinkle the salmon with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **oregano**, **salt**, and **pepper**.
– Toss the asparagus with a pinch of salt and pepper, ensuring that it’s evenly coated in the seasoning.
4. **Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce**:
In a small bowl, combine the **melted butter**, **minced garlic**, **lemon juice**, **lemon zest**, and **red pepper flakes** (if using). Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
5. **Assemble the Foil Packets**:
– Place one salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil.
– Arrange the asparagus around the salmon, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You can slightly bend the asparagus to fit it around the fish.
– Spoon a generous amount of the **lemon garlic butter sauce** over each fillet and asparagus bundle. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed, so both the fish and vegetables are coated.
6. **Seal the Foil Packets**:
Fold the edges of the foil over the salmon and asparagus, creating a sealed packet. This will trap the steam and moisture, cooking the ingredients perfectly without losing any of the flavors.
7. **Bake the Salmon and Asparagus**:
Place the foil packets in the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. **Serve**:
Carefully remove the foil packets from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before opening. Be cautious of the hot steam that will escape when you unfold the foil.
Once opened, garnish with **fresh parsley** and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of freshness. Serve the salmon and asparagus directly from the foil packets or transfer them to serving plates.
## **Serving Suggestions**
This **Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce** is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of sides to create a full, satisfying dinner:
– **Roasted Potatoes**: Crispy roasted potatoes are a great complement to the tender salmon and asparagus.
– **Rice or Quinoa**: A simple grain such as rice or quinoa can soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making for a well-rounded meal.
– **Mixed Salad**: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a contrast to the richness of the salmon and sauce.
## **Tips for Success**
– **Fresh vs. Frozen Salmon**: Fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen salmon fillets, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking to ensure even baking.
– **Don’t Overcook the Salmon**: Overcooking salmon can make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on it while baking, and check the fish’s internal temperature toward the end of the cooking time.
– **Add Extra Vegetables**: Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to the foil packets for extra flavor and nutrition.
## **Conclusion**
This **Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce** recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With the perfect balance of tender salmon, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that is sure to impress both family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special occasion meal, this recipe delivers on taste, health benefits, and simplicity.
So, next time you’re craving a nutritious and delicious meal, give this recipe a try. It’s a foolproof way to make a satisfying dinner that combines the richness of salmon with the freshness of asparagus and the irresistible flavors of lemon and garlic. Enjoy!
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