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Easy Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon Foil Packets

lemon butter garlic salmon foil packets - featured image

Juicy salmon fillets are baked in foil with lemon, butter, and garlic for a quick, flavorful dinner. This easy recipe locks in moisture and flavor, making cleanup a breeze and delivering a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided into pats
  • 2 large lemons, sliced thin and juiced
  • 45 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1 cup sliced zucchini or asparagus

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high.
  2. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12×16 inches each) and lay flat.
  3. Slice lemons thinly, mince garlic, and chop parsley and any optional veggies.
  4. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet, skin-side down. Pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Sprinkle each fillet with salt and black pepper.
  6. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice (from half a lemon), and minced garlic. Drizzle evenly over each fillet. Top with 2–3 lemon slices.
  7. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each fillet. Scatter chopped parsley or chosen herbs.
  8. If using veggies, arrange them alongside the salmon on the foil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  9. Bring long sides of foil up and over the salmon, fold to seal. Fold short ends in tightly, leaving room for steam.
  10. Place packets on a baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or grill for 15–18 minutes. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque.
  11. Carefully open one packet to check doneness. If needed, reseal and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
  12. Open packets, garnish with more fresh parsley, and serve hot. Spoon over juices from the packet for extra flavor.

Notes

Use room-temperature ingredients for even cooking. Double-wrap foil to prevent leaks. Add extra lemon juice before serving for brightness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and is opaque. Customize with herbs or veggies. For dairy-free, use olive oil or plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, foil packets, lemon butter, garlic, easy dinner, baked salmon, healthy, quick, gluten-free, low-carb