Easy Baked Salmon in Foil with Garlic & Herbs

One of the easiest and quickest meals to prepare is salmon, and this easy baked salmon in foil is just that, and it’s incredibly moist and delicious!

Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients, this will surely be a regular in your weekly recipe rotation. Flavors of lemon, garlic, salt, oregano, ground black pepper and a shake or two of crushed red pepper flakes makes this baked salmon pop in your mouth!

And did I say this was easy to make?

5 simple steps is all it takes:

1. line a baking sheet with foil
2. place your salmon fillet skin side down on the foil
3. pour a mixture of butter, extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the top and sprinkle the seasonings
4. crimp up the foil to secure all the juices inside
5. place into the oven

Ready to simplify your weeknight meal plan? Keep reading to learn how.

In This Post: Everything You will need to make Baked Salmon:

• Equipment you will need
• Ingredients you will need
• How to make this recipe
• What to serve as a side
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Rebecca’s Tips for Success

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Equipment You Will Need:

• sheet pan
• aluminum foil
• spatula
• small bowl
• liquid measuring cup
• measuring spoons

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Ingredients You Will Need To make baked salmon:

• salmon fillet
• fresh lemon juice
• garlic, put through press or minced fine
• butter or vegan butter
• extra virgin olive oil
• oregano
• ground black pepper
• salt
• crushed red pepper
• parsley, chopped for garnish

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How to make this Easy Baked Salmon recipe:

First:

• Line a sheet pan with a piece of heavy-duty foil large enough to be able to wrap up and around the piece of salmon – * TIP: If needed, sometimes I place two pieces foil back-to-back, fold over the long ends a couple times to secure the two sheets, then open them up, creating a larger piece.

Second:

• Place salmon skin side down on foil

Third:

• Mix pressed/minced garlic with melted butter and extra-virgin olive oil
• Squeeze lemon and measure 2 Tbsp.
• Mix together salt, ground pepper, oregano, and crushed red pepper

Next:

• Brush butter, extra-virgin olive oil, and garlic mixture on top of salmon
• Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon
• Sprinkle herb mixture over the top of the salmon
• Grab the long edges of the foil and gently bring together and make a few folds to crimp top together. Then, grab the ends and carefully do the same, securing the salmon in its own package.

Then:

• Place sheet pan in a preheated 375 deg. F oven and bake for approximately 18 min. depending on how well-done you like your salmon cooked.

• If your salmon fillet is thicker, bake at 400 deg. F and check for doneness around 15 min.
• Fillets that are 1-inch thick generally need about 12-15 min. in the oven. Add approximately 2-3 min. for every additional ½ inch of thickness.

Finally:

• Open the foil (be careful as it will let out lots of steam) and test doneness. If needed, reclose and bake for a couple minutes longer to preferred doneness.
• Using an instant read thermometer (if you have one) make sure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches a minimum of 145°F (63°C). Otherwise, check for doneness by using a fork to see that the fish flakes easily.
• If you would like to crisp up the top of the salmon, open up the foil and place on broil for a couple of minutes. Make sure to keep a close eye on the baked salmon so it doesn’t burn the herbs!
• Let rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute so the salmon keeps moist. Remove from foil, place on platter, give a squeeze of lemon and pour remaining juices over the top. Serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
• Enjoy!

*** Learn more about the different types of salmon here

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What to serve as a side dish with baked salmon:

These are my favorites!

• simple salad with mixed greens, chopped red onion tossed in a rice wine vinegar and olive oil dressing.
• roasted root vegetables – butternut squash, carrots, baby potatoes cut in quarters, and onion. Season with extra-virgin olive oil, onion powder, garlic salt and ground pepper. Finish with a drizzle of syrupy aged balsamic vinegar and a touch of Malden finishing salt – delish!
• lemon herb rice – light, zesty rice pilaf with fresh herbs (parsley, dill, and lemon) as it complements the garlic and herbs in the salmon- yum!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

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Rebecca’s Tips For Success for making baked salmon in foil:

• Use High-Quality Foil: Heavy-duty aluminum foil works best to seal in moisture and flavor. If using regular foil, you may need to double it up.

• Seal the Foil Well: Ensure the foil is tightly wrapped around the salmon to trap in steam and prevent the fish from drying out. You want a sealed packet that holds in the juices.

• Check Cooking Time: Baking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillet, but generally, 12-15 minutes at 375°F is ideal for a tender, flaky texture. If the fillet is thicker, add a few more minutes. Salmon is done baking when internal temperature has reached 145 deg. F.

• Optional Broil Finish: If you prefer a crispy top, open the foil and broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

• Let Baked Salmon Rest: After baking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the fish moist.

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