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Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Foil Pack Recipe for Beginners

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A simple, quick, and flavorful baked salmon recipe using garlic butter and foil packs that keeps the fish moist and tender. Perfect for beginners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, about 6 ounces (170g) each
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced plus extra for squeezing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional veggies: thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus (about 1 cup total)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  3. Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil—about 12×12 inches each.
  4. Place one salmon fillet in the center of each foil piece, skin side down if it has skin. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top.
  5. Spread a tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
  6. Top with two or three thin lemon slices and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fish. Add any optional veggies around the salmon.
  7. Fold the foil carefully over the salmon, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
  8. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, depending on fillet thickness.
  9. Check for doneness by carefully opening a packet; the salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
  10. Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

Use fresh salmon for best flavor and texture. Thaw frozen salmon completely and pat dry before cooking. Double up foil sheets if worried about leaks. Prepping garlic butter the night before saves time. Avoid overbaking to keep salmon moist. Optional veggies like zucchini or asparagus can be added for a one-pan meal. This recipe can also be cooked on the grill over medium heat for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, foil pack salmon, easy salmon recipe, beginner salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy salmon