If you’ve been on the hunt for a dependable and easy way to bake salmon, rest easy. This is it. Aluminum foil is the secret to success, plus it makes cleanup a breeze.
By baking salmon in a foil packet, you lock in moisture, ensuring that every bite is flaky and tender. A few final minutes under the broiler mean the salmon is perfectly caramelized, too.
This salmon goes perfectly with whatever sides you have on hand, from grains to greens. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients for Baked Salmon in Foil
- Salmon fillet
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic cloves
- Grated lemon zest
- Minced fresh parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon slices
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, then grease it lightly with oil or cooking spray. Place the salmon skin side down on the foil.
Step 2: Season the salmon
In a small mixing bowl, combine butter, garlic and lemon zest. Drizzle the mixture generously over the salmon fillet. Sprinkle salmon with the dry seasonings: parsley, salt and pepper. Top the salmon with slices of lemon. Then, fold the foil tightly around the salmon and seal it by crimping the edges.
Step 3: Bake, then broil
Bake the salmon for 20 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully open the foil to allow the steam inside to escape. With the foil still open, return the salmon to the oven and broil the salmon 4 to 6 inches from the heat source until the fish is flaky and tender, three to five minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Please be careful. The steam will be extremely hot.
How to Store Baked Salmon
Tightly wrap the cooked salmon in a fresh sheet of aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It will be good for up to two days.
How to Reheat Salmon Baked in Foil
While you can reheat salmon in the microwave, we like to reheat fish in the oven to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Wrap it loosely in foil, then bake at 300° until the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 130°. That will take 12 to 15 minutes.
Baked Salmon in Foil Tips
What are some other ways to season salmon baked in foil?
Salmon is a wonderful blank-slate fish to season. If you’re in the mood for Asian cuisine, season the salmon with soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Want your salmon to have a kick? Sprinkle the fillet with paprika or chili powder!
How do you know when the salmon is ready?
As it cooks, the 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’s ready when the meat is beginning to flake when prodded with a fork.
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.
