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Effortless Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon in Foil: Your Go-To Quick & Healthy Dinner Recipe

Discover the ultimate simple method for creating a truly sensational Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon! Prepared effortlessly in foil, this recipe combines vibrant citrus with savory garlic for a moist, flavorful, and healthy dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Salmon stands out as a true culinary gem in the world of seafood, and it’s undoubtedly my favorite fish to prepare at home. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients, making it a fantastic choice when you’re looking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor. Whether you prefer it grilled, broiled, or baked, the rich, buttery texture and distinct taste of salmon shine through every time.

For me, there’s no better partner for seafood than the bright, zesty notes of citrus. The combination of lemon with virtually any fish, but especially salmon, creates a harmony of flavors that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This particular recipe for Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon truly maximizes that magical pairing, infusing every flake with an irresistible tangy and savory aroma.

What makes this recipe a true winner is its sheer simplicity. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to achieve a restaurant-quality meal. The process is straightforward: assemble your ingredients, whip up a flavorful butter mixture, bake it to perfection, and serve! It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making salmon this way all along.

But here’s the absolute best part for busy weeknights: minimal cleanup! By baking the salmon inside a neat foil packet, you eliminate the need to scrub a greasy sheet pan afterward. The foil traps all the delicious juices and flavors, ensuring your salmon stays incredibly moist and tender while keeping your kitchen mess-free. It’s a win-win situation for both your taste buds and your cleaning routine.

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Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe

You’ll be pleased to know that this recipe requires only a few basic kitchen tools, making it even more accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. To get started, you’ll definitely want to have your trusty chef’s knife and cutting board ready. Their primary use will be for effortlessly slicing up the fresh lemons into thin, elegant rounds that will perfectly cradle your salmon.

A smaller mixing bowl will prove incredibly handy for creating that irresistible lemon garlic butter. This is where all the aromatic flavors will come together before being generously poured over your fish. Finally, ensure you have a standard half sheet baking pan and a good supply of aluminum foil. The foil is key to this recipe’s easy cleanup and the moist, tender results you’ll achieve.

More Delicious Salmon Recipes to Try

If you’re as big a fan of salmon as I am, you’ll be happy to know there are countless ways to enjoy this versatile fish. Here are a few more fantastic salmon recipes from my kitchen to inspire your next meal:

Grilled Salmon with Corn Salsa: Perfect for summer grilling and packed with vibrant flavors.
Smoked Salmon Bagels: A delightful breakfast or brunch option that feels incredibly luxurious.
Salmon Chowder: A comforting and hearty soup, ideal for cooler evenings.
Sesame Salmon Avocado Bowls: A fresh, healthy, and satisfying meal with an Asian-inspired twist.

Salmon filet on a plate with brussels sprouts

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this incredible foil-baked salmon. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on your table!

Craft the Aromatic Lemon Garlic Butter

The heart of this recipe lies in its incredibly flavorful lemon garlic butter. It’s a breeze to make and infuses the salmon with a rich, tangy, and aromatic essence. In a small bowl, simply whisk together melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, finely minced garlic, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, and a touch of onion powder for added depth. The melted butter acts as a wonderful carrier for the other flavors, ensuring they penetrate the fish beautifully. This mixture is what transforms a simple salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece.

Assemble Your Foil Packet for Flavor

The foil packet method is a game-changer for moist, tender fish and easy cleanup. To begin, tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to fully enclose your salmon fillet. Lay it flat on your sheet pan. Next, arrange the thin slices of fresh lemon in a rectangle, forming a bed slightly larger than your salmon filet. This lemon base not only prevents the salmon from sticking but also imparts a lovely citrus aroma and flavor directly into the fish as it cooks.

Carefully place your salmon fillet, skin-side down, directly on top of the lemon slices. This orientation helps protect the delicate flesh during cooking and allows the skin to crisp up slightly if you choose to broil at the end. Now, generously pour most of your freshly made lemon garlic butter mixture over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Remember to reserve a small amount for later. Finish by seasoning the salmon with a good pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, bring the edges of the foil up and over the fish, creating a tightly sealed packet. This seal is crucial for trapping the steam and flavors inside, creating a perfectly moist cooking environment.

Bake, Then Broil for Perfect Texture

The cooking process involves two simple stages for optimal results. First, you’ll bake the sealed salmon packet in a preheated oven. This initial baking period gently cooks the salmon through, ensuring it remains incredibly moist and absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the lemon garlic butter and lemon slices. After about 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and carefully unfold the foil, exposing the top of the fish. Be cautious of the steam that will escape!

Now, it’s time for the magic touch. Spoon the remaining lemon garlic butter mixture over the exposed salmon. This step adds another layer of flavor and helps create a beautiful golden-brown finish. Return the salmon to the oven, this time under the broiler set to high. Broiling for just a few minutes will crisp up the top, giving the salmon a delightful texture and a slightly caramelized crust. Keep a close eye on it during this stage, as broilers can vary in intensity and fish can cook quickly.

Once the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness and a beautiful golden hue, remove it from the oven. A quick garnish of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note, completing this simple yet elegant dish. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly baked, flavorful salmon!

Overhead photo of lemon garlic baked salmon

Achieving Perfect Doneness: How To Know When Baked Salmon Is Done

Knowing when your baked salmon is perfectly cooked is simpler than you might think – no need for complex culinary techniques! The easiest and most reliable way to check for doneness is to gently press down on the thickest part of the salmon fillet with your finger or a fork. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s done! The flesh will turn opaque and separate effortlessly into layers. If it resists flaking or still appears translucent in the center, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

For those who prefer a more precise method, an instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet; salmon is generally considered cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). However, many chefs and home cooks prefer it slightly less cooked, around 125-130°F (52-54°C), for a more tender, medium-rare result. Keep in mind that the salmon will continue to cook slightly even after it’s removed from the oven due to residual heat, so pulling it out just a few degrees shy of your target temperature is often ideal. Once done, promptly remove it from the oven and transfer it from the sheet pan to prevent overcooking.

Serving Suggestions: What To Serve Baked Salmon With

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes. For a light and healthy meal, I often opt for a side of vibrant green vegetables. Some of my personal favorites include:

Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini: The slight char and hint of spice complement the rich salmon beautifully.
Crispy Roasted Broccoli: Simple, flavorful, and a great way to add fiber to your meal.
Air Fryer Zucchini and Squash: A quick and easy option for tender, perfectly cooked vegetables.

However, if I’ve had a particularly demanding day and am craving something more comforting and hearty, I love serving this salmon with Instant Pot mashed potatoes with roasted garlic. The creamy potatoes soak up the salmon’s buttery juices, creating a truly satisfying combination. For a healthier, yet still creamy, alternative, consider a smooth cauliflower puree.

To elevate the dining experience, consider offering a dipping sauce or aioli. A simple garlic aioli or a rich, savory roasted garlic aioli adds an extra layer of gourmet flavor. The creaminess and tang of the aioli provide a fantastic contrast to the flaky salmon.

And if you’re looking for creative ways to enjoy leftover salmon, or simply want to switch things up, this lemon garlic salmon is incredibly adaptable. Flake it into a delicious creamy lemon salmon pasta recipe for a hearty and elegant meal, or transform it into a flavorful salmon sandwich for lunch the next day. The possibilities are endless!

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon thumbnail image

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe Card

Baked to perfection in a foil packet, this salmon is bursting with bright citrus flavor and rich buttery goodness! It’s incredibly easy to make and clean up, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Servings:
4

5 from 1 vote

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Equipment Needed

Chef’s Knife
Small Mixing Bowl (or Measuring Cups)
Half Sheet Pan
Aluminum Foil

Ingredients List

1 1/2 lbs skin on salmon fillet
2 lemons sliced into thin rounds
1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
4 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
6 cloves garlic minced
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Line a large sheet pan with a generous piece of aluminum foil. Ensure the foil is long enough to completely wrap around the salmon later.
2. Create Lemon Bed: Arrange the thin lemon slices on the foil-lined sheet pan, forming a rectangular bed that is as wide and long as your salmon fillet. This provides a flavorful base and prevents sticking. Place the salmon fillet on top of the lemon slices, skin side down.
3. Make Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, cayenne pepper, and onion powder until well combined. This is your flavorful sauce!
4. Flavor the Salmon: Pour approximately 3/4 of the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reserve the remaining butter mixture for later.
5. Seal the Packet: Carefully bring the edges of the aluminum foil up and over the salmon, crimping them tightly to form a sealed packet. Ensure there are no gaps for steam to escape.
6. Bake: Bake the sealed salmon packet in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This gentle baking will cook the salmon through while keeping it incredibly moist.
7. Prepare for Broiling: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Carefully unfold the foil, exposing the top of the salmon fillet. Be cautious of escaping steam.
8. Broil for Finish: Set your oven broiler to high. Spoon the remaining lemon garlic butter over the top of the salmon. Return the salmon to the oven and broil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon is beautifully golden-brown and cooked to your desired doneness. Watch closely to prevent burning!
9. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with fresh, finely chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, effortless meal!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 405kcal

Cuisine:
Baking, American

Category:
Seafood, Main Course, Healthy Dinner