Classic Easy Foil Baked Salmon
This easy recipe for foil-baked salmon is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Salmon fillets are seasoned, topped with aromatics, and baked in foil packets to lock in moisture and flavor.
Equipment
- Oven
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Paper towel
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz salmon fillet per person (fresh or thawed frozen, skin-on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 2-3 lemon slices thin
- optional ingredients a pat of butter, a splash of white wine, thin slices of bell pepper, or asparagus spears
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil for each salmon fillet.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towel and place each in the center of its own foil sheet.
- Drizzle each fillet with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and fresh dill over each fillet, then top with thin lemon slices and any optional additions.
- Seal the foil packets tightly by folding down the long edges several times and crimping the short ends, leaving room for steam.
Baking and Serving
- Place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-18 minutes, depending on salmon thickness.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet and let the packets rest for 2-3 minutes before opening, being cautious of hot steam.
- Slide the salmon and juices onto plates and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use fresh salmon. Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to prevent overcooking. Be careful when opening the foil packets as the steam will be very hot. This recipe is highly customizable with your choice of herbs, spices, and vegetables.