Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil

Introduction

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare salmon at home. Wrapping the salmon fillets in foil and baking them with a rich garlic butter sauce ensures the fish stays moist, tender, and packed with flavor. The foil acts like a mini oven, locking in all the juices while infusing the salmon with the bold flavors of garlic, butter, and herbs.

This dish is not only elegant enough to serve for guests but also simple enough to make for a quick weeknight dinner. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks neatly inside the foil!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s almost foolproof. The salmon never dries out, the garlic butter creates a luscious flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural richness of salmon, and it’s incredibly versatile—you can season it however you like or pair it with your favorite sides.

It’s also a one-pan, no-mess recipe, which makes it even more appealing for busy nights. The aroma that fills the kitchen when you open that foil packet is irresistible—it’s like unwrapping a present full of flavor.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy & Flavorful: Foil-lock cooking keeps the salmon perfectly moist.
• Quick & Easy: Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy: High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutrient-rich.
• Minimal Cleanup: The foil packet means no scrubbing pans.
• Customizable: You can switch up the seasonings or add veggies to the foil.

This is a recipe that’s practical for busy weeknights but impressive enough for dinner parties.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Mediterranean-Inspired
• Calories: ~380 calories per serving (without sides)

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing foil)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mix of oregano, thyme, basil)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the oven & foil:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly brush with olive oil.
2. Prepare the garlic butter:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, herbs, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Season the salmon:
   • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
   • Season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the foil packet:
   • Place salmon fillets on the prepared foil.
   • Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon.
   • Add a few lemon slices on top if desired.
   • Fold the foil over the salmon, sealing the edges tightly to make a packet.
5. Bake the salmon:
   • Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
   • For extra golden edges, open the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Carefully open foil (watch out for steam).
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
• Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or green beans).
• For a light option, serve with a fresh garden salad and crusty bread.
• Drizzle extra garlic butter sauce from the foil packet over sides for more flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t overbake—salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Add vegetables (like zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes) to the foil for a complete meal.
• For a smoky flavor, cook the foil packet on a grill instead of in the oven.

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon: Add extra chili flakes or sriracha to the butter.
2. Herb-Crusted Salmon: Top with fresh dill, basil, or cilantro for a more herby flavor.
3. Garlic Parmesan Salmon: Stir 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan into the butter sauce.
4. Asian-Inspired: Replace lemon juice with lime, and add a splash of soy sauce and ginger to the butter.
5. Foil Packet Meal: Add sliced potatoes or baby carrots inside the foil for a full one-packet dinner.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon (without lemon slices) in airtight bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a skillet with a splash of butter or broth. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the fish.

Special Equipment Needed

• Aluminum foil
• Baking sheet
• Small bowl for garlic butter mixture
• Oven or grill

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning and baking.

Q2: Can I cook this on the grill instead of the oven?
Absolutely—grill over medium-high heat for 12–15 minutes in foil packets.

Q3: Do I have to use foil?
No, you can use parchment paper to make a packet, or bake uncovered in a dish (though it won’t be as juicy).

Q4: How do I know salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil is a dish that combines simplicity with elegance. With its juicy, tender salmon infused with buttery garlic and lemony herbs, it’s a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or meal prep. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor—this foil-baked salmon is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, flavorful, and healthy meals.