Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for something healthy and delicious? I’ve got the perfect recipe for you!
Today, I’m excited to share my baked salmon in foil.
It’s tender, flaky, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to make and cleanup is a breeze!
Whether you’re a salmon lover or just trying it out, you’ll want to give this a go. Let’s dive in!

Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Butter can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These alternatives provide healthy fats and maintain the dish’s moisture. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar for different flavor profiles. These natural sweeteners offer similar consistency and sweetness levels. Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting. Fresh salmon can be swapped with canned salmon for a more budget-friendly option. Drain the canned salmon well and reduce cooking time by about half. This substitution provides similar nutritional benefits but may alter the texture slightly. For a vegetarian version, consider using a thick slice of cauliflower steak or portobello mushroom cap, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1100-1200
- Protein: 100-110 g
- Fat: 70-80 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, or dill)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-pound (1kg) boneless salmon fillet (with or without skin, pin bones removed, preferably wild caught)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by positioning a rack in the middle of your oven and preheating it to 375°F (190°C).
While the oven is heating up, line a sheet pan with a large piece of aluminum foil, ensuring there is enough foil to later fold over and seal the salmon.
Step 2: Make the Butter Lemon Mixture
In a small bowl, prepare the butter lemon mixture by combining melted butter with honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, your choice of chopped fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), along with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix everything well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare and Enclose the Salmon
Place the salmon fillet in the center of the prepared foil on the sheet pan.
Pour the butter lemon mixture evenly over the salmon, ensuring it is well coated.
Carefully fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet, trapping the flavors and moisture inside.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillet.
Look for the thickest part of the salmon to be cooked through and easily flaked with a fork.
Step 5: Broil for a Golden Finish
Once the salmon is cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and gently open the foil packet—cautiously avoiding the hot steam.
Place the unwrapped salmon under the broiler for a few minutes until the top is lightly browned to your liking.
Step 6: Serve
After broiling, transfer the salmon to a serving plate.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs and slices of lemon to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious lemon-butter salmon!