How to Bake Salmon in Foil

This delicious salmon will be added to your weekly night favorites and for good reason. Baking your salmon in foil will result in a delicious and satisfying meal.

Are you looking for a new delicious way to bake your salmon? Look no further than this recipe. Using aluminum foil to bake your salmon locks in moisture and will ensure every bite is flaky and tender. From salads to grains, this salmon goes perfectly with just about anything.

How to Bake Salmon in Aluminum Foil

salmon in foil with lemon slices on a baking sheetTMB studio

Ingredients

  • 1 salmon fillet (about 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 lemon slices

Directions

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare the pan

Line your baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Make sure to place the salmon skin side down on the foil. Then, grease your pan lightly with oil or cooking spray.

Step 3: Combine butter, garlic and lemon zest

In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, garlic and lemon zest. Then, drizzle generously on your salmon.

Step 4: Finish preparing the salmon

Sprinkle your salmon with dry seasonings. Top the salmon with slices of lemon. Then, fold the foil tightly around the salmon and seal it.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the salmon for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Let the steam escape

Open up the foil carefully to allow steam to escape. Caution: this will be extremely hot.

Step 7: Broil

Lastly, broil the salmon four to six inches from the heat until the fish is flaky and tender.

Tips for Making Baked Salmon in Foil

salmon in foil with lemon slices on a baking sheet with a side of potatoes in a bowlTMB studio

What are some other ways to season salmon baked in foil?

Salmon is a wonderful fish to season and there are plenty of variations you can make to this recipe. If you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, season your salmon with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. If you’re a garlic lover, add minced garlic to your dressing. Want your salmon to have a kick? Sprinkle your fillet with paprika or chili powder!

How to know when the salmon is ready

As it cooks, your salmon will turn from red to a light pink shade. You can check the middle of the fish once it’s out of the oven. It is ready if the meat is beginning to flake.

Can you use frozen salmon for this recipe?

You can absolutely use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to check on the fillets periodically to ensure the salmon is cooked all the way through.

What to serve with salmon baked in foil?

With salmon, the possibilities of side dishes are endless! Parmesan risotto would be a delicious choice to bulk up your meal. If you want something on the lighter end, a fresh salad or cooked green beans would be wonderful additions.

How to store salmon baked in foil

Wrap your salmon tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in refrigerator. The salmon will be good for up to two days.

How to reheat salmon baked in foil

You can reheat your salmon in the microwave, but we recommend reheating it in the oven to make sure it isn’t overcooked or dry.

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Lauren Jarvis-Gibson
Lauren has spent more than eight years writing lifestyle, health and wellness content for publishers like Allure, Teen Vogue and Thought Catalog. As Taste of Home's assistant editor, she ran the Holiday, Healthy and Desserts newsletters, and wrote and edited everything from recipe tutorials to healthy eating tips. After work hours, you can find Lauren trying out new pasta recipes, obsessing over her dog, Andre, and working on her third book of poetry.