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Easy Lemon Garlic Salmon in Foil: Best 20-Minute Dinner

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This easy lemon garlic salmon in foil is a quick, foolproof weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. The salmon is baked in a sealed foil packet with a bright, buttery lemon garlic sauce, resulting in tender, flaky fish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 medium lemons (juice and slices)
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, half the chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk together.
  3. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12×18 inches. Drizzle a little olive oil in the center of each sheet.
  4. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place each fillet in the center of a foil sheet, skin-side down if applicable.
  5. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each salmon fillet. Place 2-3 thin lemon slices on top of each fillet.
  6. Fold the foil over the salmon and crimp the edges tightly to create a sealed packet, leaving a little room for steam circulation.
  7. Place the foil packets on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (13 minutes for 1-inch thick fillets). Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  8. Let the packets rest for 2-3 minutes. Carefully open (watch for steam), transfer salmon to plates, spoon sauce over the top, and sprinkle with remaining fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for better sauce absorption. For thicker fillets (1.5 inches), add 2-3 minutes; for thinner (¾ inch), check at 10 minutes. Seal foil packets tightly to prevent steam escape. Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic salmon, salmon in foil, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, baked salmon

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