The aroma of Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses with its promise of succulent flavors. Picture tender salmon fillets enveloped in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce, all wrapped up in shiny foil, creating a culinary hug that keeps moisture locked in. For more inspiration, check out this easy lunch ideas recipe.
This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, fancy date nights, or when you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat. Every bite delivers a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds and leaves everyone wanting more. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil is quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup
- The zesty flavors brighten the rich salmon, making it irresistible
- Its elegant presentation makes it perfect for special occasions
- Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—serve it with rice, veggies, or pasta for a complete meal
I remember the first time I made this dish; my husband declared it “the best salmon” he’d ever eaten. He wasn’t wrong!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Look for vibrant pink fillets with firm texture for the best flavor and quality.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent aroma; avoid pre-minced garlic for optimal taste.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish; bottled juice simply won’t do.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning and enhance the richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; don’t skip this step!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors; always season generously.
For the optional additions:
- Zucchini or Asparagus: These vegetables add nutrition and flavor; they roast beautifully alongside the salmon.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances richness but use sparingly as butter does most of the heavy lifting.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil—you’ll thank me later when cleanup is a breeze.
Season the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the foil. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over them like you’re casting magic seasoning spells.
Create the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, melt your butter in the microwave until bubbly. Stir in minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley until well combined.
Poor Over Salmon Like Liquid Gold: Pour that buttery goodness over your fillets evenly, ensuring each piece gets its fair share of flavor bath.
Add Veggies If Desired: If you’re using zucchini or asparagus, toss them around the salmon on the foil. They’ll soak up all those delightful juices while roasting!
Seal It Up And Bake!: Fold the edges of the foil tightly around your salmon to create a sealed packet. Bake in that preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
Now watch as you unveil a steaming packet of Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil! The smell will be intoxicating—it’s time to dig in!
Feel free to serve with fluffy rice or roasted potatoes and enjoy every bit of this flavorful feast!
You Must Know
- Lemon garlic butter baked salmon in foil is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare
- The aroma of garlic and lemon fills your kitchen, making it feel cozy and welcoming
- Plus, the foil keeps the salmon moist and flavorful, ensuring a perfect dinner experience every time
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the salmon on a large piece of foil, season it, then seal tightly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until flaky.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon for lime or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. You can also toss in some veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For this lemon garlic butter baked salmon in foil recipe, always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor
- Don’t skip resting time after cooking; it enhances juiciness
- Experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favorite twist on this classic dish
Cooking this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone raved about how tasty my salmon was—definitely a crowd-pleaser that made me feel like a culinary superstar!
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for lemon garlic butter baked salmon in foil?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon; just increase cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
What should I serve with lemon garlic butter baked salmon?
Serve it with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the salmon is done baking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh salmon with a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time, while the foil packet method locks in moisture and flavor. Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish promises to impress with minimal cleanup. Serve it alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) fresh salmon fillets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced (optional)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the foil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until bubbly. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley until well combined.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
- If using, add zucchini or asparagus around the salmon on the foil.
- Fold the edges of the foil tightly to seal the packet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is flaky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 419
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 112mg