This easy garlic butter salmon foil packet is a simple and tasty meal. Just wrap fresh salmon with garlic, butter, and your favorite veggies before baking.
Cooking in foil means clean-up is a breeze. I love how the butter makes everything juicy and flavorful. Plus, it smells amazing while cooking—your kitchen will be the best place to be!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets bring a lovely flavor and texture. If you can’t find salmon, feel free to use trout or a white fish like cod or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it lets you control the salt level. If you prefer a healthier option, swap in olive oil for a lighter taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic freshens up the dish with bold flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too—use about ½ teaspoon per clove.
Lemon: Lemon adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter. In a pinch, lime can be a good substitute, or you can use lemon juice instead.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and flavor. If parsley isn’t available, fresh dill or cilantro can also work beautifully here.
How Do I Make Perfectly Sealed Foil Packets?
Sealing the foil packets well is key to keeping all the flavors and juices inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place your prepared salmon in the center of a square of aluminum foil.
- Bring the two long sides of the foil up and fold them together tightly, leaving some space for steam to circulate.
- Then, fold the short sides up and over in the same way to completely seal the packet.
- If using a baking sheet, make sure the packets are sealed well to prevent leaking.
This technique ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and stays moist. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Packets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed if preferred
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mixed dried herbs)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. In total, you’re looking at roughly 30-35 minutes to enjoy this delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when your salmon goes in.
2. Prepare Foil Squares:
Next, cut four large squares of aluminum foil—enough to wrap each salmon fillet individually. Think of it as making little pockets for the salmon!
3. Mix Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir so everything is mixed well.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Place each salmon fillet in the center of a foil square. Then, spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Make sure it’s nicely coated!
5. Add Lemon:
Lay 2-3 thin slices of lemon on top of each salmon fillet. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor to the dish.
6. Seal the Packets:
Carefully fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, covering it completely, and seal the packets closed. It doesn’t have to be perfect, as long as it’s well sealed!
7. Bake in the Oven:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, be careful when opening the foil packets as steam will escape. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra parsley and additional lemon slices if you’d like. Enjoy your flavorful, moist, and tender garlic butter salmon!
FAQs for Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Foil Packets
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, submerge the sealed salmon in cold water for about 30 minutes until thawed. Keep an eye on cooking time, as you may need to add a few extra minutes for it to cook through.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Foil Packets?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes alongside the salmon. Just chop them into similar sizes and toss them with the garlic butter mixture. Adjust cooking time based on the vegetables you choose—harder veggies like carrots may need extra time.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, making sure not to overcook it, as it can dry out.
What Can I Serve with Garlic Butter Salmon?
This salmon pairs wonderfully with various sides! Consider serving it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Roasted or steamed vegetables are also a great addition to round out the meal.
