Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (2024)

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Garlic butter baked salmon in no time at all! Start with a simple lemon garlic butter sauce that’s super fancy but also really easy tomake. Then we just pour this on top of a filet of salmon and bake it off in the oven wrapped in foil. The salmon is flakey and tender this way and the garlic butter flavor is out of this world!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (1)

GARLIC BUTTER.

I mean, if that’s not convincing enough to make this recipe, let me also mention that my garlic butter baked salmon takes roughly 25 minutes to make from start to finish and requires just a few simple pantry staple ingredients.

When I tell you this recipe is simple, I mean it is really the simplest. If you can combine a few ingredients in a small saucepan and then baste your fish (salmon in our case), you can make today’s recipe. The lemon garlic butter sauce is so delicious; you’re going to want to put on every kind of protein you can think of. And guess what? Clean up is a breeze because we’re wrapping the salmon in foil and tossing it in the oven or the grill!

As a bonus, it’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and so it’s ideal for when you’re serving guests that may have different dietary restrictions.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (2)

Making salmon at home doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s one of the easiest things to cook if you bake salmon in foil. This recipe is adapted from one that my mom and I came up with together. We’ve been making it for almost two decades now, and the only thing I did differently here is to mix the lemon and butter and make a sauce beforehand. Before, my mom and I used to brush the salmon with a little oil and drizzle the lemon juice and then sprinkle the remaining ingredients on top. Though it tasted delicious, I find that making the garlic butter sauce and allowing the garlic to simmer with the lemon juice makes a more flavorful and slightly thicker sauce that won’t run down the sides as much as the drizzle-on-top sauce does.

Also, in the summertime, we just place the salmon in foil on a hot grill that’s at around 375ºF. And it’ll cook up in about the same time, give or take a minute or two. Barbecued garlic butter salmon is sooo good.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (3)

What do you need to make the garlic butter sauce for the garlic butter baked salmon?

The best part is, this whole recipe calls for less than teningredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make the sauce:

  • lemon juice
  • minced garlic
  • butter
  • seasonings (red pepper flakes + Italian seasoning)
  • salt + pepper

How to make the best garlic butter sauce:

  1. Start by heating the lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and the red pepper flakes together in a small saucepan.
  2. Let the lemon juice reduce by half, so you’re left with one tablespoon.
  3. Add one tablespoon of cold, cubed butter at a time and let it melt into the saucepan. Grab the handle and swirl; it melts so quickly this way. Repeat with remaining butter.
  4. Add salt and pepper and stir. DONE.

If you’ve made this recipe before you may notice it has changed slightly. In the past, I suggested sprinkling the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on top. But after making this recipe countless times since then, I just find it easier to just toss it into the sauce and pour it on top of the salmon!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (4)

What do you need to make the garlic butter baked salmon?

  • salmon
  • chopped parsley, for serving

What do I do once the sauce is ready?

  1. Place the salmon on a large piece of foil, one large enough to wrap the entire salmon filet in.
  2. Slowly drizzle the sauce over the salmon using a spoon. Cover the salmon with foil so that all the sides are properly closed and the sauce doesn’t leak out.
  3. Bake for 12-14 minutes. This amount of time works for most recipes, however, if your filet is super thin, check closer to the 10-minute mark. If it’s very thick, check around 14-16 minutes. Remember, we’re going to broil it for the last couple of minutes, so you don’t want it to be completely cooked when you check on it.
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (5)

Can I use garlic butter sauce on other types of fish?

Sure, you can! You can marinate raw shrimp in this sauce for 10 minutes and then cook the shrimp in a hot skillet. You could also use this with tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi. Just remember that the baking time for various types of fish will vary depending on the fish and the thickness of the filet!

What kind of salmon works best for this garlic butter baked salmon recipe?

My biggest tip for this baked salmon in foil recipe is to use good quality salmon. I find wild-caught salmon works best. Pink salmon or ‘farm-raised salmon’ sometimes leaves the fish wet and gross, because, let’s face it, we’re steaming it in foil. I encourage you to use Sockeye or Coho salmon if you can find it.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (6)

This baked salmon recipe is straightforward to make and perfect for those that might be at a beginner level for cooking fish. There’s so flipping, sautéing, or any other fancy techniques required. It also happens to be the perfect 20-minute meal for when you need dinner on the table in a heartbeat.

These are the type of recipes I’d email to my husband, for when I just need him to cook dinner. I encourage you to do the same with your SO.

Whether you make this yourself or have someone make it for you, either way, you need to get some garlic butter sauce lovin’ in your life.

Yield: serves 4-5

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time25 minutes

Garlic butter baked salmon in no time at all! Start with a simple lemon garlic butter sauce that’s super fancy but also really easy to make then we just pour this on top of a filet of salmon and bake it off in the oven wrapped in foil. The salmon is flakey and tender this way, and the garlic butter flavor is out of this world!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (7)

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pound sockeye or coho salmon (preferably wild-caught)
  • 2 tablespoons EACH: lemon juice AND cold butter, cubed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, AND black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

  1. PREP: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF. (see notes)
  2. SAUCE: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the lemon juice and minced garlic, allow the lemon juice to reduce to 1 tablespoon. Add in 1 tablespoon of butter, remove pan from heat and swirl so the butter starts to melt. Place back on the heat for a few seconds, removed and continue to swirl until butter completely melts. Repeat with second tablespoon of butter. When butter is completely melted, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Then, remove sauce from stove.
  3. BAKE: Place the salmon filet in a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal. Using a brush or spoon, brush the salmon with the garlic butter sauce. Cover with foil so that all sides are properly closed so the sauce does not leak. Bake the salmon for 12-14 minutes or until mostly firm to the touch. Open the foil and allow the fish to broil under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so the fish does not burn. Remove from oven, top with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Baking time may vary slightly due to thickness of fish. Feel for firmness on the thickest part of the filet to make sure your fish is cooked through.
  • I suggest using a good quality salmon for this recipe. Try to avoid using 'pink salmon' as this type of salmon is quite watery and will release lots of water in the baking process causing the fish to be wet and not flakey.
  • The salmon can also be wrapped in foil and barbecued at 375º-400ºF for about the same amount of time give or take a minute or two. Allow the salmon to 'broil' the same way you would in the oven, by opening the foil and allow the fish to dry out for just 1-2 minutes.

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I'd love to see what you made!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (11)

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Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe | Little Spice Jar (2024)

FAQs

Which spice is good for salmon? ›

Just about all flavors work with salmon. Because salmon is high in fat content and a firm fish, it has its own flavor that can hold up to strong flavors like garlic, ginger, hot pepper, and others. But like all fish, salmon is a little delicate, and also works well with more subtle flavors like fresh herbs and citrus.

Is it better to bake salmon covered or uncovered? ›

Baked salmon is best when cooked at 425°F in the oven.

Even thicker fillets don't take long. We recommend baking the salmon uncovered. Simply rub the fillets with a little oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, then place them in the roasting pan skin-side down before popping them in the oven.

Does salmon need a lot of seasoning? ›

In general, 3/4 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt per pound of salmon is a good rule if you're not adding additional salty ingredients. About half that much pepper is good if you're not adding other peppery ingredients.

How do you not overcook salmon in the oven? ›

Give me the cheat sheet. Heat the oven to 275°F to 300°F (the former gives you more overcooking insurance, the latter will take less time). Brush a sheet pan or baking dish with a bit of oil (olive, canola, whatever works). Add salmon fillets skin side-down, rub with oil, and sprinkle all over with salt.

What is the secret to best salmon? ›

A dry brine gives you firmer, juicier fish fillets with kettle-chip-crisp skin. Credit... Gentl and Hyers for The New York Times.

What makes salmon taste better? ›

Sugar + acid is your friend.

There's a reason for it! For one, it's delicious. But from a scientific standpoint, the sugar and acid cut through salmon's fishiness. Glazes add a ton of flavor while taming the salmon.

Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400? ›

What is the best temperature to bake salmon? 400°F (205°C) is ideal as it allows the fish to gain colour and the skin to become crispy. If you prefer a milder method, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until done. The salmon baked at 425°F (215°C) produces tender, creamy fillets that cook quickly.

Why bake salmon in foil? ›

So, the first thing we love about baking salmon in foil is that it keeps the moisture in. The foil seals in moisture and boosts the flavor even with very little seasoning! Also, we love to bake our Salmon because it requires little attention from the chef. You simply throw the salmon in, set the timer, and off you go.

Does salmon taste better in oven or pan? ›

Pan-frying or pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook salmon fillets. It's quick, easy, and gives the fish that perfect crispy, crunchy skin. A simple pan-fried salmon is the secret to a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner in 30 minutes or less.

What not to do when cooking salmon? ›

5 Common Mistakes That We All Make When Cooking Salmon
  1. Not removing pin bones. Fact: Most salmon fillets have pin bones in them. ...
  2. Mistreating the skin. ...
  3. Using the wrong pan. ...
  4. Overcooking your fish. ...
  5. Reheating leftover salmon.
May 17, 2021

Should I oil salmon before seasoning? ›

Rub your salmon filets with olive oil before seasoning them. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the grill and give the fish a crispy finish.

How to flavor my salmon? ›

Here are some popular options:
  1. Lemon pepper: This seasoning blend is a classic choice for salmon. ...
  2. Dill: Dill is a herb that pairs well with salmon. ...
  3. Paprika: Paprika is a versatile spice that can add depth and smokiness to salmon. ...
  4. Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a great option for adding savory flavor to salmon.
Nov 20, 2017

Does salmon need to be flipped in oven? ›

If your salmon is fresh, there is no need to do so.

How do you tell if baked salmon is done? ›

Internal temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer; the salmon should register 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. Flakiness: When gently pressed with a fork, the fish should easily flake apart. Avoid overcooking, as it can dry out the salmon. Cook with the skin side down for best results.

How to tell if salmon is done baking? ›

Firmness: Cooked salmon should be firm but still moist. When you press down gently on the flesh with a fork or your finger, it should feel slightly resistant but still give way easily. If the salmon is still hard or resists your fork, it needs more time to cook. If it is mushy or falls apart, it may be overcooked.

What spice can I use on fish? ›

Here are a few spices that naturally complement fish: Ginger has a warm and slightly sweet taste that can add depth to a variety of fish, including salmon, tilapia, and cod. It is also great when used in stir-fries, curries, and sushi rolls. Cumin has a nutty and pungent flavour that pairs well with fish.

What does Gordon Ramsay season salmon with? ›

Gordon uses Cajun seasoning which usually combines paprika, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper.

What spices do fish like? ›

So let's take a look at some of the best.
  • Ginger.
  • Nutmeg and Mace.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Star Anise.
  • Fenugreek Seeds.
  • Smoked Garlic Powder.
  • Cardamom.

Do you put seasoning on both sides of salmon? ›

After drying, make sure to season the salmon generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If you have a little time to spare, seasoning it at least 45 minutes in advance and letting it rest in the fridge up to several hours can help the fish retain more moisture as it cooks.

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