This baked salmon in foil is a simple oven recipe made with butter, garlic, lemon, and rosemary. It cooks quickly, stays moist, and requires almost no cleanup.
Why Baking Salmon in Foil Stays Moist, Flaky, and Ready in 10 Minutes
Baking salmon in foil is one of the easiest ways to get tender, flaky fish without overthinking dinner. The foil traps steam while the butter and lemon gently flavor the salmon as it cooks, making it reliable even on busy nights.
I like this method when I want a healthy main that feels complete without extra steps. Everything comes together in one packet, the salmon cooks in just 10 minutes, and the result is consistently juicy with very little effort.
Why You'll Love It
- Quick and Easy: It's ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for when you're short on time.
- Moist and Tender: Baking in foil locks in all the juices, so the salmon comes out super moist and tender every time.
- Minimal Cleanup: After cooking, just toss the foil; there are no messy dishes to deal with!
Key Ingredients in Baked Salmon in Foil
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Salmon: I use a boneless fillet so it cooks evenly, and in the foil, it flakes easily without falling apart.
- Butter, Garlic & Seasoning: Melted butter is what I rely on to carry the garlic and seasoning, keeping the salmon moist as it bakes.
- Lemon Juice & Lemon Slices: Lemon adds freshness, and I like using both juice and slices so the richness of the butter stays balanced.
- Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary brings a subtle, earthy flavor that, I find, pairs naturally with salmon as it cooks.
How to Bake Salmon in Foil
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Prepare the Foil Base: Tear off two large sheets of aluminum foil, and place fresh rosemary sprigs on the aluminum foil.
2. Mix the Butter Marinade: In a small bowl, mix melted unsalted butter, salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and lemon juice.
3. Season the Salmon: Spoon the marinade evenly over the top, and add lemon slices.
4. Wrap and Bake: Wrap the salmon in foil, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F/200°C (356°F/180°C fan-forced) for 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon in Foil
I like serving baked salmon in foil with crispy potato wedges or simple roasted potatoes. Marinated tomatoes or a fresh salad add balance, and crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery juices.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Check Thickness: If the salmon is thicker than 1 inch, add 2-3 extra minutes rather than increasing the heat.
Seal the Foil Well: A tight seal keeps the steam inside, which is key for moist salmon.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
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Recipe
Baked Salmon in Foil
Ingredients
- 500 g salmon - boneless
- 40 g unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C (356°F/180°C fan-forced).
- Tear off two large pieces of aluminum foil (large enough to wrap around the salmon). Place fresh rosemary sprigs on the aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, salt, black pepper, minced garlic cloves, and juice from half of the lemon. Stir well to combine.
- Place the boneless salmon fillet on the prepared foil. Use a spoon to evenly spoon the marinade mixture over the top of the salmon, ensuring it's well-coated. Lay lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, creating a secure pouch. Make sure it's tightly sealed to lock in the moisture.
- Place the foil packet on the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully open the foil, and serve the salmon with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Cristina says
This Baked Salmon in Foil recipe is so easy and delicious! The rosemary, garlic, and lemon make it so flavorful and perfectly moist. Love how quick this is to make!