Delicious garlic butter baked salmon with parsley and lemon.

Garlic butter baked salmon in foil

Name: Garlic butter baked salmon in foil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets, skin on or off (about 6 ounces each); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Lemon slices, for garnish

Sarah

Writer & Blogger

Dinner
April 20, 2025

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil: An Exquisite Flavor Explosion! 🐟🧈🍋

1. Introduction

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than garlic butter baked salmon in foil! This recipe delivers a burst of flavor in every bite, combining the richness of butter and garlic with the delicate taste of salmon. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this foil baked salmon recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your garlic butter salmon recipe turns out perfectly every time. Craving more easy dinner ideas? Check out our other dinner recipes!

2. Why Bake Salmon in Foil?

Baking salmon in foil offers several advantages. First, it creates a steam-filled environment that helps the salmon retain its moisture, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. Second, the foil acts as a barrier, preventing the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet and making cleanup effortless. Lastly, you can infuse the salmon with aromatic flavors like garlic, butter, and herbs, intensifying its natural taste. This method is particularly effective for a garlic butter salmon recipe, ensuring that every piece of salmon is saturated with the delicious buttery sauce. Baking salmon in foil with garlic butter is a culinary technique that guarantees a mouthwatering experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might also like our Spicy Chipotle Honey Salmon Bowls!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delectable garlic butter baked salmon in foil, gather the following ingredients:

4 salmon fillets, skin on or off (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon slices, for garnish

Ensure that the butter is softened to allow for easy mixing with the garlic and herbs. Fresh parsley and lemon juice are key to adding brightness to the dish. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful garlic butter salmon recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. For more ideas on how to use fresh herbs, perhaps exploring some salad recipes could inspire you!

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Foil and Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap a salmon fillet. Place each piece of foil on a baking sheet. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil. Preparing the foil this way ensures that the foil baked salmon will cook evenly and retain all its flavors. You can source high-quality aluminum foil from various grocery stores or online retailers. For a deeper dive on how to ensure even baking, check out this guide.

Preparing salmon fillet on foil for garlic butter baked salmon.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. This garlic butter salmon recipe relies on the even distribution of this mixture to impart maximum flavor to the fish. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a subtle kick.

Seasoning salmon with garlic, butter, and herbs for baking.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet. Ensure that each fillet is generously coated with the mixture to enhance the flavor. Place a few lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. The lemon slices add a zesty aroma and complement the garlic butter baked salmon in foil perfectly. Don’t be shy with the garlic butter – it’s what makes this dish so flavorful! To round off the meal, consider trying one of our delightful breakfast and brunch recipes for your next weekend treat!

Adding lemon slices to garlic butter salmon before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Fold the foil over each salmon fillet, creating a sealed packet. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to trap the steam and flavors inside. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Once done, carefully open the foil packets to avoid steam burns. Your delicious garlic butter baked salmon in foil is ready to serve! If you are into Baking, here is our Baking Category.

Wrapping salmon in foil for garlic butter baking.

5. Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon

Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
Ensure the butter is softened to easily mix with the other ingredients.
Don’t overbake the salmon, as it will become dry.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the foil packet before sealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or chives for an extra touch of freshness.
The foil baked salmon can also be prepared on a grill for a smoky flavor.

Following these tips will help you create the perfect garlic butter salmon recipe every time. If you ever need a heartwarming meal, we have some great soup recipes you might enjoy!

6. Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter baked salmon in foil pairs well with various side dishes. Consider serving it with:

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
Quinoa or rice
A fresh salad
Garlic mashed potatoes

These side dishes complement the richness of the salmon and create a well-rounded meal. This garlic butter salmon recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. And if you’re looking for something to bake for dessert, why not try our Churro Cupcakes for a sweet ending or our Tequila Lime Snack Cake.

7. Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Salmon is also rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Including salmon in foil with garlic butter in your diet is a tasty way to boost your overall health and well-being. For more information about the health benefits of salmon, consult your doctor or a registered dietician.

8. Variations and Adaptations

There are numerous ways to customize this garlic butter baked salmon in foil recipe to suit your taste. Some variations include:

Adding different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano
Using different types of citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits
Incorporating vegetables like sliced bell peppers or onions into the foil packet
Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice

Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your unique garlic butter salmon recipe. If you prefer other types of meat, perhaps exploring our chicken recipes and beef recipes could give you the inspiration you need.

9. Conclusion

Garlic butter baked salmon in foil is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors, tender texture, and easy cleanup, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this foil baked salmon recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious and healthy meal. Happy cooking!

Garlic butter baked salmon in foil

Author: Serena Miller
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Pescatarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil recipe delivers flaky, tender salmon infused with rich garlic butter and bright lemon flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and clean up.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets, skin on or off (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap a salmon fillet. Place each piece of foil on a baking sheet. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Evenly spread the garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet. Ensure that each fillet is generously coated with the mixture to enhance the flavor. Place a few lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
Fold the foil over each salmon fillet, creating a sealed packet. Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to trap the steam and flavors inside. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Carefully open the foil packets to avoid steam burns and serve!