Effortless & Flavorful: Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs (Baked & Grilled)

Imagine a meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and suitable for both a quick weeknight dinner and a relaxed weekend barbecue. Look no further than these sensational Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs! This recipe delivers on all fronts, offering a delightful combination of flaky, tender salmon, crisp-tender asparagus, and a zesty garlic-butter parmesan sauce, all cooked to perfection in individual foil packets.

Our loyal low-carb readers have been asking for a version of our beloved Parmesan Crusted Salmon that skips the bread crumbs without sacrificing any of that irresistible cheesy goodness. We heard you, and we’re thrilled to present this re-imagined, lower-carb alternative. And let us tell you, perfecting this recipe was an absolute delight! The results were so delicious, we happily taste-tested it again and again. These Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs are truly a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about deliciousness; it’s about convenience, health, and versatility. Here’s why these foil packs are about to become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: Minimal prep work means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your evening.
• Quick Cooking: Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon, garlic, butter, and fresh parmesan creates an incredibly rich and tangy sauce that infuses both the salmon and asparagus.
• Healthy & Low-Carb: Rich in Omega-3s from salmon and packed with nutrients from asparagus, this meal is naturally low in carbohydrates and excellent for a balanced diet.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer baking in the oven or grilling outdoors, these foil packs adapt seamlessly to your preferred cooking style.
• Easy Cleanup: Cooking in foil means practically no dishes to wash – just toss the foil when you’re done!
• Complete Meal in One: With protein-rich salmon and a healthy side of asparagus, you have a wholesome, satisfying meal all in one convenient packet.

The Magic of Foil Packs for Salmon Dinners

Foil packet cooking is a game-changer for seafood. It creates a steamy, enclosed environment that locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in incredibly tender, flaky salmon every time. The juices from the salmon and the delicious butter-garlic sauce mingle with the asparagus, ensuring that every bite is bursting with taste. Plus, the minimal cleanup factor is a huge bonus, especially after a long day.

Crafting the Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

The secret to an unforgettable salmon dish often lies in its sauce. There’s a certain culinary magic that happens when a rich, buttery, garlicky, and herbaceous mixture is gently poured over a fresh, wild-caught salmon fillet. However, achieving that perfect balance requires a keen eye for measurements. Too much lemon can lead to an overpowering bitterness. Overdo the butter, and you might end up with an unnecessarily oily dish. And while it’s tempting to go wild with salt, a delicate touch is key to enhancing rather than masking the natural flavors. As for garlic? Well, as many garlic lovers would agree, is there truly such a thing as “too much garlic”? For this recipe, we’ve found the ideal ratio to ensure every element sings in harmony.

This meticulously balanced sauce not only tenderizes the salmon but also infuses the asparagus with incredible flavor, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. It’s designed to complement, not overpower, the delicate taste of fresh salmon.

The Essential Ingredient: Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

When it comes to the parmesan, this is a crucial detail that cannot be overlooked. Through extensive testing, we discovered a significant difference between pre-packaged, powdered parmesan cheese (the kind often found in a green can) and freshly grated parmesan. The powdered variety, unfortunately, seemed to detract from the natural, delicate flavor of the salmon, imparting an artificial taste.

On the other hand, freshly grated parmesan cheese elevates this dish to an entirely new level. Whether you use a vegetable peeler to create delicate shavings or a fine grater for a more powdery texture, the depth of flavor and creamy richness that fresh parmesan brings is unparalleled. It melts beautifully, creating a golden, slightly crispy crust that complements the tender salmon and asparagus perfectly. Trust us on this: investing in a good block of parmesan and grating it fresh will make all the difference in these Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs

Creating these delicious foil packs is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Prepare Your Foil: Lay out individual sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×18 inches) for each serving. This ensures enough room to create a tight seal and prevents any delicious juices from escaping.
2. Arrange Ingredients: Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Divide your trimmed asparagus spears evenly and arrange them alongside the salmon.
3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley. This is the heart of your flavor!
4. Pour & Season: Generously pour the garlic-butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet and asparagus bundle. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, remembering that parmesan also adds saltiness.
5. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese (approximately 2-3 tablespoons) over the salmon and asparagus in each pack.
6. Seal the Packs: Carefully bring the long sides of the foil together over the ingredients and fold them down several times to create a tight seam. Then, fold in the short ends of the foil, making sure all edges are securely sealed. This creates a “tent” that traps all the flavors and moisture.
7. Cook! Choose your preferred method: baking in the oven or grilling on the barbecue.

Cooking Methods: Oven Baked or Grilled

The beauty of these Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs lies in their flexibility. Both baking and grilling yield fantastic results, allowing you to choose based on your preference or the weather.

For the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness (it should flake easily with a fork).
• Optional Crispy Top: For a golden, crispy parmesan crust, carefully open the foil packs (be mindful of steam!) and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is beautifully golden brown.

For the Grill:

• Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat.
• Place the sealed foil packets directly on the grill grates.
• Grill, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your grill’s temperature and the thickness of your salmon. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily.
• Optional Crispy Top: Just like with baking, for a delicious crispy top, carefully open the foil packs for the last 1-2 minutes of grilling (or carefully transfer to a hot oven broiler) until the parmesan is golden.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Parmesan Salmon Every Time

• Choose Quality Salmon: Opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant color and firm flesh.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your salmon and asparagus some space within the foil packet to ensure even cooking and proper steaming.
• Heavy-Duty Foil is Key: Regular foil can tear, leading to leakage. Heavy-duty foil is more durable and ensures your precious juices stay contained.
• Mind the Doneness: Salmon is best when cooked to medium (internal temperature around 125-130°F / 52-54°C) for a moist, tender result. It will continue to cook slightly after removal from heat. If you prefer it more done, aim for 145°F (63°C).
• Rest Briefly: Allow the packets to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking before opening. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the salmon incredibly moist.

Variations & Serving Suggestions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! While asparagus is a fantastic pairing, feel free to get creative with other vegetables:

• Vegetable Swaps: If asparagus isn’t your favorite, or you simply want to try something new, this recipe works beautifully with sliced zucchini, green beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced potatoes (though potatoes will increase cooking time).
• Herb Alternatives: While fresh parsley adds a classic touch, consider experimenting with fresh dill, thyme, or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle kick.
• Serving Ideas: These foil packs are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a light side. For those not strictly adhering to a low-carb diet, a side of fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or crusty bread would be delightful to soak up the extra sauce. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing also makes a great accompaniment.

If you give this recipe a try, please let us know how much you loved it! Your feedback means the world to us.

WATCH HOW WE MAKE Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs RIGHT HERE

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5 from 16 votes

Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs

By

Karina

Prep Time:

5 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

20 minutes
mins

Total Time:

25 minutes
mins

Servings:

4
serves

Lemon Parmesan Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs are so easy to make, and are packed with flavour! Baked or grilled right on your barbecue!

Ingredients 

 

• 
  ▢
  
  
  4
  salmon fillets
  skin on or off

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  pound
  asparagus spears
  wood ends trimmed

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/3
  cup
  butter
  melted

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/3
  cup
  lemon juice
  or juice of 1/2 a lemon

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  tablespoon
  garlic
  minced, or 4 large cloves garlic, minced

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  teaspoons
  fresh parsley
  finely chopped, or dried parsley

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  pinch
  salt
  to season

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  pinch
  pepper
  to season

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2/3
  cup
  parmesan cheese
  fresh grated

EXTRA TO SERVE:

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1
  pinch
  parsley
  to garnish

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  lemon wedges

Instructions 

• Preheat oven or barbecue (grill) following instructions below.
• Place each salmon fillet in the centre of one 12×18-inch heavy-duty aluminium foil piece. Divide the asparagus into 4 equal portions and arrange next to the salmon on each foil piece.
• In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic and parsley. Pour the garlic/butter mixture evenly over each piece of salmon and asparagus; season with salt and pepper to taste, and top each pack with the parmesan cheese (about 2-3 tablespoons per pack).
• Tent with foil, tightly sealing the edges to prevent the butter being leaked, to create a foil packet.

For The Oven:

• Bake in preheated oven to 200°C | 400°F for 15 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.
  For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes extra until Cheese is golden.

For The Grill:

• Grill, covered on medium high heat for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked to desired doneness.

  OPTIONAL: For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes extra until Cheese is golden.
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges and garnish with extra parsley.

Notes

If you don’t like asparagus, you can easily pair this with zucchini or green beans.

Nutrition

Serving:
340
g

|

Calories:
475
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
8
g

|

Protein:
43
g

|

Fat:
31
g

|

Saturated Fat:
14
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
9
g

|

Trans Fat:
1
g

|

Cholesterol:
146
mg

|

Sodium:
476
mg

|

Potassium:
1.125
mg

|

Fiber:
3
g

|

Sugar:
3
g

|

Vitamin A:
1.557
IU

|

Vitamin C:
20
mg

|

Calcium:
257
mg

|

Iron:
4
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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