Discover the ultimate secret to perfectly moist, flaky, and flavorful salmon every single time. This Baked Salmon in Foil recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, locking in flavor with simple ingredients and guaranteeing the easiest cleanup you’ve ever experienced. If you’re searching for a healthy, quick, and absolutely delicious dinner, you’ve found it.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe
This isn’t just another fish recipe; it’s a method that delivers flawless results with minimal effort. Cooking salmon in a foil packet, also known as cooking “en papillote,” steams the fish in its own juices along with aromatic herbs and citrus. This technique makes the salmon incredibly tender and infuses it with flavor, preventing it from drying out. Plus, when dinner is done, you simply discard the foil—no scrubbing required!
The Perfect Ingredients for Flavorful Salmon
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use a classic combination of fresh ingredients to enhance the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it.
Choosing Your Salmon
For the best results, opt for high-quality salmon fillets. Look for pieces that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, as this ensures they cook evenly. Both Atlantic and Coho salmon work wonderfully in this recipe. If you can, choose fillets with the skin on, as it provides a great barrier against the heat and adds extra flavor.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers
Our flavor combination is classic for a reason. Fresh dill, zesty lemon, and robust garlic create a bright and savory profile that perfectly complements the fish. A touch of melted butter or olive oil adds richness and helps keep the salmon succulent.
How to Make Baked Salmon in Foil (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible Baked Salmon in Foil is as easy as 1-2-3. We’ll walk you through the simple process to ensure you get perfect results every single time.
- Prepare Your Packet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to comfortably enclose your salmon fillet. Place the salmon, skin-side down, in the center of the foil.
- Season Generously: Drizzle the fillet with melted butter or olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Top with fresh dill and several slices of lemon.
- Seal and Bake: Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them over several times to create a tight seal. Then, fold in the shorter sides to completely enclose the salmon. Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your fillet. Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F. For a slightly more tender finish, you can pull it out around 135°F to 140°F.
Pro Tips for Perfect, Flaky Salmon Every Time
Want to take your baked salmon to the next level? Follow these simple tips from our kitchen.
- Don’t Crowd the Packet: If you’re making multiple fillets, give each one its own foil packet. This ensures they steam evenly and cook through properly.
- Add Vegetables: Turn this into a complete meal by adding quick-cooking vegetables to the foil packet. Asparagus, sliced zucchini, or bell peppers are fantastic options. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside our Easy Roasted Fingerling Potatoes.
- Broil for a Crispy Top: For a slightly browned and crispy top, carefully open the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking and turn on your oven’s broiler. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
Flavor Variations to Try
While the classic lemon and dill is a winner, this Baked Salmon in Foil recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with other flavor profiles.
- Mediterranean-Inspired: Swap the dill for fresh oregano and top with sliced cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This pairs beautifully with our Mediterranean Salmon and Lemon Rice.
- Spicy & Smoky: Use a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper instead of herbs. Add a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon.
- Sweet & Savory Teriyaki: Brush the salmon with your favorite teriyaki sauce and top with minced ginger and garlic. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions after baking. For more teriyaki goodness, check out our Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to make it a one-pan meal. Quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus spears, sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes work best. Add them to the packet alongside the salmon before sealing.
There are two main ways to tell. First, the salmon will change from translucent red or orange to an opaque pink color. Second, it will flake easily when gently pressed with a fork. For precise results, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be between 135°F and 145°F.
A standard salmon fillet (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick) typically takes 12-15 minutes to bake in foil at 400°F. The best way to check for doneness is to see if it flakes easily with a fork.
No, you should not poke holes in the foil. The goal is to create a sealed packet that traps steam. This steam is what gently cooks the salmon, keeping it incredibly moist and infusing it with flavor.
The ideal temperature for baking salmon in foil is 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the salmon quickly, ensuring it stays moist and tender without drying out.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
If you enjoyed this simple and flavorful recipe, you’re sure to love some of our other weeknight favorites. Try our incredible Lemon Dill Baked Salmon for a different take on this amazing fish, or switch things up with our savory Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta.
A Perfect Meal, Every Time!
This baked salmon recipe is a testament to the fact that simple, fresh ingredients can create an elegant and satisfying meal. It’s healthy, quick, and perfect for any occasion. We hope you love it as much as we do! If you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation and tag us on Pinterest!
Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe
Baked Salmon in Foil: The Easiest, Most Flavorful Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay out two large sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface.
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of each sheet of foil. Drizzle evenly with the melted butter or olive oil.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper over the salmon fillets. Top each fillet with 2-3 slices of lemon.
- To seal the packets, bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them over several times. Then, fold and crimp the shorter ends to create a fully 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, as steam will be released. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Ensure the foil packet is well-sealed to trap steam and keep the salmon moist.
