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Lemon Baked Salmon in Foil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Beverly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Lemon Baked Salmon in Foil recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare tender salmon fillets infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and basil. Baked in a foil packet, the salmon stays moist and juicy, then finishes under the broiler to achieve a golden, slightly charred top. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, this dish pairs well with your favorite sides and is sure to impress with minimal cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Marinade

  • 1 ¼ pounds salmon (skin on, cut into 5 fillets)
  • 5 tablespoons salted butter (melted)
  • 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (divided)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 5 lemon slices


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 375℉ (190℃) to prepare it for baking the salmon.
  2. Prepare the lemon-basil sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, finely minced garlic, fresh chopped basil, half of the lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Assemble the salmon on foil: Lay a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet, then layer a slightly smaller piece of parchment paper on top. Arrange the salmon fillets on the parchment with slight gaps between them to allow even cooking.
  4. Add sauce and lemon slices: Pour half of the lemon-basil sauce evenly over the salmon fillets. Reserve the other half of the sauce for later. Place one lemon slice on top of each fillet for added flavor.
  5. Create the foil packet and bake: Fold the parchment and foil tightly around the salmon to seal the packet. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, keeping the packet closed to lock in moisture.
  6. Broil with remaining sauce: Carefully open the foil packet, pour the remaining lemon-basil sauce over the salmon, and fold or tear any parchment paper away from the top to prevent burning. Place the salmon under the oven’s high broil setting for 5 to 7 minutes to brown and caramelize the top.
  7. Serve immediately: Watch closely so the salmon doesn’t burn. Once the top is slightly browned, remove from the oven and serve right away. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh lemon juice and basil for extra brightness.

Notes

  • Using foil and parchment paper makes cleanup easy and helps keep the fish moist.
  • Do not open the foil packet during initial baking to retain moisture.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning the herbs or paper.
  • Fresh basil and lemon juice can be adjusted to taste for more vibrant flavor.
  • Salmon fillets should ideally be similar in size for even cooking.