Zesty Foil-Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Experience a burst of flavor and nutrition with this Zesty Foil-Baked Salmon with Asparagus recipe. This cooking method not only locks in moisture but enhances the tastes of fresh ingredients, making it an ideal quick weeknight dinner. With just 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked salmon paired with tender asparagus, all while minimizing clean-up. Serve with fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the zesty lemon flavor, and don’t forget to add extra lemon wedges to elevate your meal. This delightful dish is sure to be a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
201
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aluminum foil
4 sheets (12-inch by 18-inch pieces)
Salmon fillets
4 (5-ounce) (skinless and boneless)
Asparagus
1 lb (ends snapped off)
Fresh lemon
1 (juiced)
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Seasoning salt
to taste (sprinkled)
Lemon wedge
for garnish (to serve)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
2
Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends; the spears will break naturally at the right point. Divide the asparagus into four equal portions.
3
Take a sheet of aluminum foil (12-inch by 18-inch) and spray the center lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
4
Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Layer each fillet with a portion of asparagus and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
5
Season with freshly ground black pepper and seasoning salt to taste, ensuring each portion is well-flavored.
6
Carefully fold up the sides of the foil to create a packet, folding the top over twice for a secure seal while leaving enough space inside for steam to circulate.
7
Seal the ends of the packets tightly to prevent any leaks.
8
Arrange the foil packets on a cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
9
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the packets, avoiding the hot steam, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
8.75g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Foil-Baked Salmon with Asparagus?
It is a nutritious and flavorful dish where salmon and asparagus are seasoned with lemon and baked inside aluminum foil packets to lock in moisture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 230 degrees Celsius.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed for 4 servings, using 4 individual 5-ounce salmon fillets.
How do I prepare the asparagus for this recipe?
You should snap off the tough ends of the asparagus; they will naturally break at the correct point.
What size of aluminum foil is needed?
You should use four sheets of aluminum foil, each measuring 12 inches by 18 inches.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the foil?
Spray the center of each foil sheet lightly with non-stick cooking spray before placing the ingredients.
What are the main ingredients for the seasoning?
The seasonings include fresh lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, and seasoning salt.
How should the salmon be placed in the foil?
Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet, then layer it with a portion of asparagus.
What type of salmon fillets are recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 skinless and boneless 5-ounce salmon fillets.
How do I fold the foil packets correctly?
Fold up the sides of the foil and fold the top over twice to create a secure seal while leaving space for steam.
Why is it important to leave space inside the foil packet?
Leaving space inside the packet allows steam to circulate, which helps cook the salmon and asparagus evenly.
How do I seal the ends of the packets?
Seal the ends of the foil packets tightly to prevent any juices or steam from leaking during the baking process.
How long does the salmon need to bake?
Bake the packets in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes.
How can I tell when the salmon is finished cooking?
The salmon is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
What is the safest way to open the foil packets?
Carefully unwrap the packets while avoiding the hot steam that will escape when opened.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs well with fluffy rice or couscous to soak up the zesty lemon flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 201 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this salmon dish?
Each serving contains about 10.5g of fat.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This recipe provides 19g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 8.75g of carbohydrates in one serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed, including the foil and garnishes.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is an ideal quick weeknight dinner as it takes less than 20 minutes to bake.
What makes the cleanup for this recipe easy?
Because the food is cooked inside foil packets, there is minimal mess on the cookie sheet and easy cleanup.
How much asparagus is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of asparagus with the ends snapped off.
Can I add extra lemon to the finished dish?
Yes, serving with extra lemon wedges is recommended to elevate the flavor.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe suggests using seasoning salt to taste.
What kind of pepper is best for this recipe?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Does the recipe require skin-on or skinless salmon?
The recipe specifically calls for skinless and boneless salmon fillets.
What tools do I need to bake the packets?
You will need a cookie sheet to arrange the foil packets on for baking.
Is this dish suitable for a healthy diet?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to its high protein and inclusion of fresh vegetables.