🧾 Buttermilk Baked Salmon with Asparagus and Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
🍽️ Servings: 2
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20-25 mins
🔥 Method: Oven-baked in foil packets
📝 Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salmon Packets:
- 2 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or drizzle
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Marinate the Salmon:
- In a shallow dish, combine buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more tenderness).
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Foil Packets:
- Lay out 2 large sheets of aluminum foil.
- Divide asparagus evenly and place in the center of each foil sheet.
- Drizzle asparagus with a little olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
- Add Salmon & Sauce:
- Remove salmon from marinade, let excess drip off.
- Place each fillet over the asparagus.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce generously over each fillet.
- Top with lemon slices and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Seal & Bake:
- Fold the foil over the salmon and asparagus to create sealed packets.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness of salmon.
- Optional: Open foil during the last 5 minutes and broil for slight crisp edges.
- Serve:
- Carefully open the foil packets and serve directly in foil or transfer to plates.
- Spoon some of the sauce from the foil over the salmon before serving.
💡 Notes & Tips
- Make it creamy: Stir 1 tbsp of heavy cream into the butter sauce for a creamy twist.
- Grill it: You can grill the foil packets over medium heat for 12–15 mins instead of baking.
- Add carbs: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or garlic butter noodles for a fuller meal.
- Low-carb: This dish is already keto-friendly and gluten-free.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
✅ Health Benefits
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promotes heart and brain health.
- Asparagus: High in antioxidants, supports digestion and urinary health.
- Buttermilk: Adds probiotics, aids in digestion, and tenderizes meat naturally.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before marinating.
Q: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
A: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 mins.
Q: How do I know salmon is fully cooked?
A: It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
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