Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner with this incredibly simple and delicious Baked Salmon in Foil recipe. If you’re searching for a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal with virtually no cleanup, you’ve found it. This method steams the salmon in its own juices, locking in moisture and infusing it with garlic, lemon, and dill for a truly mouthwatering result. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked fish forever!
This recipe is designed for busy people who still crave a home-cooked meal that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. The aluminum foil packet is the secret weapon, creating a steamy environment that cooks the salmon perfectly every single time. It’s a foolproof technique that we’ll master together.
Why This Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe is a Game-Changer
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for so many reasons. First, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of melted butter, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs creates a classic sauce that complements the rich taste of the salmon perfectly. Second, it’s unbelievably easy. With minimal prep and no-fuss cooking, it’s ideal for any skill level. Finally, the cleanup is a breeze. Simply discard the foil, and you’re done!
Add your favorite vegetables like asparagus for a complete meal in one packet!
The Core Ingredients for Perfect Foil-Baked Salmon
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a memorable meal.
Salmon Fillets: The star of the show. Look for fillets that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking. You can use skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a delicious sauce. For a dairy-free option, you can use a high-quality olive oil.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. It infuses the entire packet with its irresistible aroma.
Lemon: One lemon is used for both juice and slices, adding a bright, acidic counterpoint to the rich salmon.
Fresh Dill: This is the classic herb pairing for salmon, offering a slightly anise-like flavor that is simply divine. Fresh parsley also works well.
Salt and Pepper: To season the fish and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Baked Salmon in Foil: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this dish is as simple as 1-2-3. Just follow these steps for a perfect result every time. This easy baked salmon in foil is your new go-to for a quick and healthy dinner.
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Foil
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the salmon through without drying it out. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12-15 inches long, to create your packets.
Step 2: Assemble the Foil Packets
Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic and fresh dill. Drizzle this garlic butter mixture evenly over the four fillets. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top, then season generously with salt and pepper. Top each fillet with a few thin slices from the other half of the lemon.
Step 3: Seal and Bake to Perfection
To seal the packets, bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them over twice to create a tight seal. Then, fold in the shorter sides. This traps the steam inside, which is key to moist salmon. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Salmon
Want to ensure your salmon is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips:
Don’t Overcook: This is the most important rule! Check the salmon at the 12-minute mark. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. A little translucency in the very center is okay, as it will continue to cook from residual heat.
Choose Quality Salmon: Whenever possible, opt for wild-caught salmon like Coho or Sockeye for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer farmed, look for sustainably raised options.
Seal Tightly: Make sure your foil packets are sealed well to trap all that delicious steam and flavor. This is the key to the entire cooking method.
Perfectly flaky and moist every single time.
Delicious Flavor Variations to Try
While the classic lemon and dill is fantastic, this Baked Salmon in Foil recipe is a wonderful canvas for other flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Mediterranean-Style Salmon
Add a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese and oregano to the foil packet before sealing. This gives the dish a vibrant, sunny flavor that is absolutely irresistible.
Spicy Cajun Salmon
For a bit of a kick, swap the dill for a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Add some thinly sliced bell peppers and onions to the packet for a complete meal. For an even more comforting meal, try our Cajun Chicken Orzo.
Asian-Inspired Flavors
Use sesame oil instead of butter. Add a splash of soy sauce, a teaspoon of grated ginger, and top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions after baking. It’s a simple twist that completely changes the profile of the dish.
What to Serve With Your Baked Salmon
This salmon is incredibly versatile. For a complete and satisfying meal, serve it alongside some fluffy quinoa, steamed rice, or our reader-favorite Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make excellent companions. For another fantastic chicken dish, our Lemon Garlic Chicken is always a hit.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the oven or a toaster oven set to a low temperature (around 275°F) to gently warm the salmon without drying it out. Just a few minutes should be plenty.
At 400°F (200°C), salmon fillets that are about 1-inch thick will typically take 12-15 minutes to cook through. The best way to check for doneness is to see if the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is ideal for baking salmon in foil. It’s hot enough to cook the fish quickly, ensuring it remains moist and tender, without being so hot that it dries out easily.
Absolutely! Quick-cooking vegetables are perfect for salmon foil packets. Try adding asparagus spears, sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. They will steam alongside the salmon for a complete one-packet meal.
The salmon is done when its internal temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. If you don’t have one, you can check visually. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when gently pressed with a fork.
Yes, it is very important to seal the foil packet tightly. Create a seal by folding the edges together. This traps the steam inside, which is essential for cooking the salmon gently and keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful.
The Recipe Card
FL Recipes
Baked Salmon in Foil (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Recipe!)
This Baked Salmon in Foil is the perfect weeknight dinner! Tender, flaky salmon is seasoned with lemon, garlic, and dill, then baked in a foil packet for an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal with minimal cleanup.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Place one salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill.
Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Squeeze the juice from one half of the lemon over the top. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Thinly slice the remaining lemon half and place a few slices on top of each salmon fillet.
To seal the packets, bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them over twice. Fold in the shorter sides to create a completely sealed packet.
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Carefully open the foil packets, allowing the steam to escape. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcalProtein: 34gFat: 22gFiber: 1g
Notes
Don't Overcook: Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark to ensure the salmon stays moist and tender. Variations: Feel free to add quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus spears or sliced zucchini directly to the foil packets before baking.
Keyword baked salmon,healthy dinner,salmon in foil
We hope you love this simple and flavorful Baked Salmon in Foil recipe as much as we do! It’s a true lifesaver on busy nights. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We love hearing from you! For more delicious dinner inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
This is our foolproof method for the most delicious Baked Salmon in Foil!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
