Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil is a flavorful and easy dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich glaze made from butter, honey, garlic, and lemon. Baked in foil for easy cleanup and perfect moisture retention, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The sweet and savory glaze caramelizes beautifully while the salmon remains juicy and full of flavor.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)unsalted butterhoneygarlic cloves (minced)lemon juicefresh parsley (chopped)saltblack pepperaluminum foil
directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
Place the salmon fillet in the center of the foil.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in the honey, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
Pour the honey garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon.
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, sealing it closed to create a packet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon.
Open the foil and broil for an additional 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top, if desired.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 15–18 minutesBroiling time (optional): 2–3 minutesTotal time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a citrus variation.
Top with thinly sliced lemons before baking for extra flavor.
Substitute maple syrup for honey for a richer sweetness.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through.Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before baking.
What side dishes go well with this?
Steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad pair beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the foil packet ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I need to remove the skin?
No, the skin helps retain moisture during baking and can be easily removed after.
Is broiling necessary?
It’s optional, but it adds a nice caramelized finish to the glaze.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, grill the foil packet over medium heat for similar results.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Can I use other fish?
Yes, trout or cod also work well with this recipe.
How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).
Can I add vegetables to the foil packet?
Yes, thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work great.
Conclusion
Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil is an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors wrapped into one incredibly easy and elegant dish. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and guaranteed to satisfy. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
PrintHoney Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Honey Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil is a quick and flavorful dish where tender salmon fillets are baked in foil with a sweet and savory glaze of honey, garlic, and butter.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared foil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
- Pour the honey garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, sealing it closed to form a packet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Open the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the top (optional).
- Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of honey or soy sauce to your preferred sweetness or saltiness.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.