If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal that will impress your family and friends, look no further than this Easy Baked Salmon in Foil recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can create a succulent salmon dish that's bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup. Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with garlic and zesty lemon, all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet. This recipe not only highlights the natural goodness of salmon but also makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into the details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better texture and allows seasonings to adhere properly.
- Cut two large pieces of aluminum foil, each large enough to completely wrap a salmon fillet with some extra space.
- Brush each piece of foil with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking and add extra flavor.
- Place each salmon fillet in the center of a foil piece, skin-side down.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the salmon fillets, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the fillets, distributing it to maximize flavor.
- Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
- Arrange lemon slices on top of and around the salmon fillets to infuse citrus flavor during baking.
- Carefully fold the foil edges to create a sealed packet, leaving some space above the fish for steam circulation.
- Place the foil-wrapped salmon packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Check for doneness by gently opening the foil and ensuring the salmon flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening the foil packets.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like dill or parsley if desired, and accompanied by lemon wedges.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant color and minimal fishy smell.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Patting the salmon dry before cooking helps achieve a perfect sear and allows the seasonings to stick better.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the foil packets. Fresh dill, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish.
- Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Add sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to the foil packets for a complete meal that’s full of color and nutrition.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your baked salmon with a light salad, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a well-rounded dinner that’s sure to please.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the foil packets in advance and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg
