My Top 10 Favorite Baked Salmon in Foil Recipes

When it comes to the food I cook, I have a soft spot for a meal where it’s delicious but also easy. 

Wash and dry a fillet and cover it with a mixture of spices, herbs, and a splash of lemon juice, then wrap it up in foil and bung it in the oven. The foil keeps all the salmon juices inside so nothing is lost – it’s such a fun and minimal way to cook.

No mess stress for me!

Any day of the week, I can take three or four ingredients, two or three spices and herbs, a little sachet of flavor, and a gorgeous piece of tender, sweet, savory fish will be my reward: something that goes with a green salad just as easily as it goes with roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes.

Baked salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and a good source of proteins. 

The 10 Best Baked Salmon in foil and recipes

1. Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

I just love this dish because I get the tartness of the lemon mixed in with the garlic and butter giving it this multitude of good flavors. I love making it because it’s so simple yet it tastes so good and feels like such a gourmet meal.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/3 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Foil: Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet.
3. Sauce: Whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
4. Salmon: Put the salmon fillet on the center of the foil and pour the lemon garlic butter on the fillets.
5. Foil Seal: Wrap the sides of the foil up and over the top of the salmon until it’s completely closed. Seal the packet airtight so that the sauce won’t leak out.
6. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes apart easily with a fork.
7. Garnish and Serve: Carefully open the foil packet and garnish with fresh parsley

2. Honey Dijon Baked Salmon

I am always looking for new salmon recipes and my new favorite is this honey Dijon-glazed version. Sweet honey paired with Dijon mustard is such a great combination, so perfect.

 I love how easy it is to make, and that makes it a great option for weeknight dinners as well as dinner parties.

Honey Dijon Baked Salmon

Ingredients

2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lemon slices (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap in Foil: Place the fish in the center of the foil and wrap tightly.
   Place the foil on a baking sheet.
3. Whisk the Sauce: Mix Dijon mustard, honey and olive oil in a small bowl. Then add the lemon juice and minced garlic, salt and pepper.
4. Glaze the Salmon: Spread the honey Dijon glaze evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets.
5. Fold Over the Foil: Fold the aluminum foil over the salmon so sides are completely covered and seal the packet.
6. Bake: Place the foil packet onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Finish and Serve: Cut open the foil packet carefully so that the steam does not escape and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced lemon, if desired.
   Serve immediately

3. Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon

I love making this dish. So pretty in the bowl, fresh herbs, toasty crumbs.

It’s a great way to get your greens, good for the soul, and not too difficult to pull together. 

The golden crust, the tender white interior, the explosion of flavor on the palate. One of my best.

Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Foil sheets

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Foil: Tear four pieces of aluminium foil, big enough to wrap each salmon fillet individually.
3. Season Salmon: Wrap each salmon fillet in foil and brush with olive oil on the top and bottom.
   Spread Dijon mustard over the top.
4. Herb Mixture: Pound together 2 large cloves of garlic, a tablespoon each of minced parsley, dill, basil and thyme, and a quarter teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
5. Crust the Salmon: Spread the herb mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
6. Add Lemon Slices: Place two lemon slices on top of each herb-crusted salmon fillet.
7. Seal Foil Packets:
8. Bake: Place the foil packet onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
9. Finish and Serve: Cut open the foil packet carefully so that the steam does not escape and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced lemon, if desired.
   Serve immediately

4. Teriyaki Baked Salmon

One of my favorite recipes is for teriyaki baked salmon: it’s super-healthy and super-delicious thanks to a rich, salty marinade. When I make it I think that the combination of sweet-salty in the teriyaki sauce works well.

I also like the simplicity of the recipe: in just a few minutes I can recreate the experience of eating in a restaurant in the comfort of my own home. It’s a meal that I make once a week as a treat, adding an occasional gourmet touch to my standard dinners.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make The Marinade: Bring to a boil over medium heat, in a small saucepan, 3/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsps brown sugar, 2 tbsps honey, 2 tbsps rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsps minced garlic and 2 tsps grated ginger.
3. Thicken Sauce: In a small cup, stir together water and corn starch until smooth.
   Add to pan, stirring constantly, then take off heat until the sauce thickens.
4. Marinated Salmon Put the salmon fillets on large pieces of aluminum foil. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the fillets, making sure each fillet is well coated.
5. Fold the Aluminium Foil Over the Salmon: Fold the sides of the aluminum foil over the salmon and seal in each packet so that the juices are locked inside under steam.
6. Bake: Place the foil packet onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Finish and Serve: Cut open the foil packet carefully so that the steam does not escape and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced lemon, if desired.
   Serve immediately
   
   

5. Mediterranean Baked Salmon

I love how easy (and delicious) this is. I think the combo of fresh herbs, tangy lemon and rich olive oil is heaven on a plate.

It is always flaky and moist. I love it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple Greek salad.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Portion Foil: Cut 4 large pieces of foil, place 1 salmon fillet at the center of each piece is the process.
3. Season Salmon: Brush each fillet of salmon with olive oil then season with oregano, thyme, salt and pepper.
4. Garnish: Place a slice of lemon, an onion wedge, a handful of cherry tomatoes, a few Kalamata olives, and a clove of crushed garlic on each fillet of salmon.
5. Fold Foil: Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and completely cover the salmon with the foil.
Seal the packets closed.

6. Bake: Put the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake, covered, at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

7. Serve: Carefully open the foil packets and transfer the salmon to a plate

6. Pesto Baked Salmon

I love this dish because it’s so scrumptious and easy. What I like best about it is how all the flavors work together in texture and taste, sweet and rich.

Pesto Baked Salmon

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
1 cup of fresh basil pesto
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
2. Foil ready: Cut 4 large pieces of aluminium foil, put them on a baking tray.
3.  Place each salmon fillet on a piece of foil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the Pesto: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the basil pesto over top each piece of salmon.
5. Tomatoes and Lemon: Add the cherry tomatoes and the slices of lemon on top.
6. Top with Olive Oil: Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the salmon and tomatoes.
7.  Foil-Wrap: Tuck the sides of the foil up and over the salmon to make a sealed packet.
   The foil should be tight enough around the salmon to not allow steam to escape.
8. Bake: Place on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until salmon is done and flakes easily with fork. 
9. Serve and enjoy

7. Maple Glazed Baked Salmon

This is undoubtedly a quick, easy and no-fuss dinner. I love the simple sweetness of the glaze with the natural richness of the salmon, and the hassle-free bake is a real winner on nights when I don’t have the energy for faffing!

It never fails to impress me and my guests.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs salmon fillet
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. PREPARE BAKING SHEET Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Grease with a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil.
3.  Set Salmon Set the salmon fillet on the Seasoned baking sheet.
   Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Make Maple Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well-combined.
5. Apply Glaze: Pour the maple glaze over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
6. Aluminum foil seal: Fold top and bottom of foil over salmon to completely cover, then fold edges to seal packet.
7. Bake: Bake in the oven preheated to 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork. 
8. Serve and enjoy

8. Spicy Sriracha Baked Salmon

This is the recipe I go to when I am seeking some bold flavors with my salmon. The spice from the Sriracha is perfectly complimented by the plump and flaky salmon.

The Sriracha gives a spicy and sweet finish when brushed on the salmon, enhancing the overall flavor of the meal. This is the perfect option for a last minute week night dinner.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon ground ginger
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line up Foil: Spread out four sheets of aluminum foil, big enough to wrap each piece of salmon individually.
3. Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, Sriracha, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, ground ginger, salt and pepper.
4. Coat Salmon: Place one salmon fillet in the centre of each foil sheet and spoon the marinade evenly over each fillet.
5. Foil Packet: Seal the foil over the salmon, crimping the foil tightly all around to create a packet.
6. Roast the Salmon: Transfer the foil packets to a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve and enjoy

9. Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon

What I just love about the flavor combination fresh salmon and crispy parmesan crust in this recipe is that it’s both delicious and elegant while being also super simple.

It’s one of my favorite meals to prepare for so many reasons: the ease of prep offers a gourmet taste experience that I can always count on.

My family always looks forward to eating this meal and it makes even an ordinary dinner feel special.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon (zest and juice)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray or drizzle
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Gear up a Baking Sheet: Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil, and lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
3. Season Salmon: Lay out the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix Topping: Mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest and lemon juice in a bowl so that the ingredients are coarsely mixed.
5. Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan mixture over each salmon fillet and gently press into the fish.
6. Sandwich and Seal: Fold the aluminum over the salmon fillets, crimping the edges to form a packet.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 minutes or so
8. Serve

10. Ginger Soy Baked Salmon

When you are able to make something like this and enjoy those sweet and savory notes and it doesn’t drain you for hours in the kitchen, it is almost like a little treat for me.

I love how the ginger adds a nice zing when mixed with some soy.

Ginger Soy Baked Salmon

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for heat)
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make Marinade: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil and sriracha.
3. Marinate Salmon: Place your salmon fillets on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to create a packet.
Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.

4. Foil Packet: Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon and crimp all sides to make a tidy package, so the marinade doesn’t escape.

5. Bake: Place the foil packet in a baking sheet, and bake in the preheated oven until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Serve: Remove from oven and open the foil packet.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs.