This easy garlic butter salmon foil packet meal is a fun and tasty way to cook! The salmon is perfectly flaked and packed with flavor from the garlic and butter, making every bite a treat.
Who knew cooking could be so effortless? Just toss everything on a sheet of foil, seal it up, and let the oven do its magic. I love serving it with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is ideal for this recipe, but if you can’t find it, use other fish like trout or cod. Frozen salmon works too—just make sure to thaw it first!
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt levels. You can substitute with olive oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor. If you have garlic powder on hand, you can use about 1 teaspoon as an alternative.
Lemon: Fresh lemon slices brighten the dish. If you don’t have lemon, lime can work in a pinch, or a splash of vinegar adds a tangy twist!
Herbs: I love fresh parsley, but feel free to mix in basil or cilantro to match your taste. Dried herbs are great too; just use about a third of what the recipe calls for.
How Do You Seal the Foil Packets Properly?
Sealing the foil packets is key to ensuring the salmon steams perfectly inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- After placing the salmon and toppings on the foil, fold the long edges over the fish first, making sure they overlap slightly.
- Next, fold the short ends in to create a sealed pocket. Press down gently to keep everything snug inside.
- Ensure there’s a little space for steam to build up by not making the packet too tight.
Don’t worry! If you’re unsure at first, wrapping it up nicely gets easier with practice, and it can help trap all the delicious flavors inside while cooking.
How to Make Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Packets:
- 1 (1.5 to 2 pounds) salmon fillet, skin on
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or dill for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This whole recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of baking in the oven. Altogether, you can have a delicious garlic butter salmon dinner ready in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Foil:
Take a large sheet of aluminum foil and cut it so that it’s big enough to fold around the salmon and seal it completely. Think of it like wrapping a cozy blanket around the fish!
3. Place the Salmon:
Lay the salmon fillet in the center of the foil, skin side down. This will help keep it moist while cooking.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you’d like to add. Mix it well until combined.
5. Pour Over Salmon:
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillet. Make sure to cover it nicely so every bite is packed with flavor!
6. Add Lemon Slices:
Arrange the lemon slices over the salmon and around it. The lemon adds a fresh zest that complements the rich garlic butter.
7. Seal the Packet:
Carefully fold the sides of the foil up and over the salmon, pinching the edges together to create a tight seal. This keeps all the yummy juices inside as it bakes!
8. Bake the Salmon:
Place your sealed foil packet on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
9. Open Carefully:
Once it’s done, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Be careful when you open the foil, as steam will escape. Garnish the salmon with extra chopped parsley for a pop of color.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salmon hot with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy every delicious bite!
This recipe creates a tender, flavorful salmon infused with garlic butter and brightened with fresh lemon, making it an easy and delightful meal with minimal cleanup. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen salmon completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Can I Adjust the Cooking Time?
If your salmon fillet is thicker than usual, you may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes. Conversely, thinner fillets might cook faster, so check for doneness around the 15-minute mark and adjust as necessary.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or gently on the stove, adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit of butter to keep it moist!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Foil Packets?
Definitely! Feel free to add veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini to the foil packet along with the salmon. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. They will soak up the delicious garlic butter flavor too!
