Description
This easy garlic butter baked salmon foil packets recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon infused with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs. Perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced fresh
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt recommended)
- Optional vegetables: thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, asparagus spears
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Cut four large rectangles of heavy-duty aluminum foil about 12×12 inches each.
- Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil piece, skin-side down if skin is on. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Top each fillet evenly with the garlic butter mixture. Arrange optional vegetables around or on top of the salmon if using.
- Fold the foil over the salmon and crimp the edges tightly to form sealed packets, leaving some space inside for steam to circulate but no leaks.
- Place the foil packets on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes. Check at 15 minutes; salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Carefully open the foil packets (watch for hot steam) and serve immediately. Optionally, squeeze extra fresh lemon juice over the top.
Notes
Do not overbake the salmon to keep it juicy and tender. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Seal foil packets tightly to trap steam and moisture. You can prepare foil packets up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based spread and parsley with cilantro.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One 6 oz salmon fill
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 34
Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, foil packet salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, garlic salmon, baked fish