20 Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil

20 Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil

4 servings
This Tender Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in foil comes together in just 20 minutes! This easy salmon recipe is slathered in a honey garlic butter sauce then baked in a foil packet for the perfect flaky bite. 

Ingredients

  • salmon
    1 lb.
  • chopped parsley for garnish
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    4
  • dijon mustard
    1 tbsp
  • unsalted butter

    melted

    1 tbsp
  • raw honey
    2 tbsp
  • lemon zest
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    ¼ tsp
  • basil
    ¼ tsp
  • red pepper flakes
    ⅛ tsp
  • black pepper
    ⅛ tsp
  • salt to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. 2

    Line a baking sheet with a large enough piece of foil that you could fold over and seal to create a packet later on. Place salmon in the center of the foil.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, add garlic cloves, dijon mustard, butter, lemon zest, honey, smoked paprika, basil, red pepper flakes, pepper and salt. Mix everything together until combined.

  4. 4

    Pour lemon garlic butter mixture over the salmon and then fold foil up around it to create a tent.

  5. 5

    Place in oven and bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until your desired doneness.

  6. 6

    Remove salmon from oven and turn broiler on HIGH.

  7. 7

    Unfold the foil so the salmon is uncovered. Place salmon back under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes till there is slight browning over caramelization on top.

  8. 8

    Remove from oven. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve.

20 Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil

20 Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil

20 min4 servings246 cal

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About this Recipe

Imagine a perfect weeknight meal: tender, flaky salmon infused with rich flavors, ready in just 20 minutes. This 20 Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil recipe delivers exactly that, transforming a simple fillet into a memorable dish with minimal effort.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in its ingenious use of foil. Baking salmon in a foil packet creates a steamy, enclosed environment that locks in moisture and cooks the fish to succulent perfection. Coupled with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce, the salmon emerges incredibly flavorful and perfectly flaky, avoiding the dry texture often associated with baked fish.

What to Expect

You're in for a treat with this baked salmon in foil. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of savory garlic, a delicate sweetness from raw honey, and a bright finish from fresh lemon zest. The hint of smoked paprika and red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the salmon's natural taste. Expect a beautifully flaky texture, indicative of perfectly cooked seafood. This delightful meal serves four and comes in at a satisfying 246 calories per serving, making it a fantastic choice for a quick and healthy dinner.

Customization & Variations

This garlic butter salmon recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. Want to adjust the flavors? Feel free to increase or decrease the red pepper flakes for your preferred level of heat. While basil is specified in the seasoning, other fresh herbs like dill or thyme could complement salmon beautifully if you prefer a different aromatic profile. For a less sweet profile, you could slightly reduce the raw honey.

Serving & Context

This quick and easy garlic butter baked salmon is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave a delicious, healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it alongside roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or fluffy quinoa for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions