Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
Easiest tin foil dinner! Simply bake right in your foil packet. Quick, easy, and effortless with seriously zero clean-up!!
You know I can never resist a good tin foil dinner.
Because really, at the end of the day, and literally, at the end of the night, no one wants to do a pile of dirty dishes.
And I’ve said this a million times before.
Serve your dinner in the foil packet as is. There’s no shame in that.
I promise.
Garlic Butter Salmon in Foil
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds salmon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper, to taste.
- Place salmon onto prepared baking sheet and fold up all 4 sides of the foil. Spoon the butter mixture over the salmon. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, covering completely and sealing the packet closed.
- Place into oven and bake until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with parsley, if desired.
Did you make this recipe?
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Can this be nade in advance and warmed up a few hours later
I have made this salmon recipe at least once a month for the past couple of years. It is so simple, fast, and delicious. All salmon dishes I order at a restaurant are compared to this one, and none ever measure up! I’ve got my salmon in the oven right now, and figured I’d finally post a review.
This was delicious. Easy! The brown sugar made it. Yum.
Great tasting salmon! Knocked a star off because it took me 27 minutes to cook, and I didn’t feel my fish was overly thick or anything.
I made this tonight for my husband, and he loved it, it is definitely a keeper, it’s one of our go-to recipes for sure. Turned out flakey and not overcooked! Thank you so much! (Followed the directions no tweaks, it was perfect!!!) A must-try!
Wonderful brown sugar buttery flavor. I used 12 oz Norwegian salmon tail and cut sauce in half. Used fresh thyme instead of dry. Cooked around 20 min. Did add a squeeze of fresh lemon on the fish after on my plate.
Very delicious I try this delicious salmon myself it’s waterie delightful
I was really excited to try this recipe. The flavor was good, but I think it could have been stronger. Just seemed like it wasn’t quite there…
-salmon was pretty dry.
Fantabulous. I really like salmon, so I think I can judge. It was really tasty, sweet but not too sweet, rich and well flavored and the perfect consistency. It was great the next day too! Maybe the best way I’ve had salmon at home.
Note: I did cook it a little bit over 20 minutes, because it was enclosed in the foil, then opened the packet and
broiled for about 2 minutes after it cooked through, for a crunchy top.
Hard to overcook in the oven and enclosed in foil, too.
It was a easy, fine dinner, but def not as amazing as a lot of the other recipes on this site
I’d say it needs the full 20min for cooking and I only used half the recipe. Foil packet did not cook salmon all the way after 15min. I took it out of the foil and cooked another 5 and it was perfect.
Didn’t like this.
Garlic didn’t cook through and was half raw..
Sugar in the sauce was odd leaving a weird taste in the mouth.
Had high hopes for this but neither myself nor my husband enjoyed it unfortunately!
Made this for 2 with 1 lb steel head trout – a salmon look alike with a similar milder flavor. Delicious. Followed recipe with all ingredients halved except for the lemon juice. Next time I’ll try dill in place of oregano.
loved it only thing I switch up is using honey instead of Brown Sugar great meal thanks
Tastes much better than expected
Excellent and then some!!! What I did was add some cayenne pepper ’cause of being from the South. People ask: frozen fish does work just as fine.
*Be advised most of the time I use filet trout in place of salmon, saving my salmon for another time. Family has had this many time. Had to up the quantity on herbs-your mileage may vary. This is one of my all time favorites.
Hey!! Just asking.. I know the foil is totally super for clean-up but would this work in an air fryer? I know one need be conservative with toppings when using one of those, but I got an air fryer for Christmas and fell in love with the thing!!
If not, that’s OK . As I usually do, I’ll make it this weekend following the directions completely. I know I’ll love it! And it’s all so healthy like everything you guys (and dogs) post so I won’t get fat any time soon!! (I go out running in the very early morning every day so I can burn off the worst calories you can dish up!! One military habit worth keeping!!!
-Kim
This was delicious and so very easy! We did have to cook it longer, 24 min, even though we had exactly the right amount of salmon.
Yea I had to cook mine longer too. But once I did everything was yummy.
I have little experience baking salmon & looked through several recipes before settling on this one. I’m so happy I did. It was amazing!!! My family said and I quote “restaurant quality.” I’ll be using this recipe again and again.
Next time I’ll leave out the brown sugar.
My favorite salmon recipe!! Easy and delicious!
I haven’t made it but it sounds very good. From the comment I’ve read, I think it would be nice to have step-by-step pictures of what you’re doing with the foil.
Thank you.
I have made this twice in the last week and it’s everyone’s’ favorite. Of course I doubled the garlic and used extra lemon because I’m a lemon and garlic freak, and there was not a bite left. Brilliant recipe. Love your website.
Hi! First time making this; using 2lbs of skinless salmon. Says between 15-20 but how do I know which is best? My piece looks just like your photo! I want this to be perfect for my husband tonight 🙂 Thank you!
This was delicious! I believe it will be my go to recipe for salmon.
Love! My 12 year old finally eats something other than chicken.
Made this yesterday. Had fresh Salmon, washed in cold water, soaked in milk for 20 minutes as it came to room temperature (to help neutralize any “fishy” taste). Followed the recipe for ingredients and also added 1/2 tsp. of dill and smoked paprika. Baked 15 minutes to exactly 145 degrees F, in sealed foil. This is probably the best Salmon I’ve ever tasted. A terrific blend and balance for the spices. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
Wow!!! That was dam delicious , scraped the plate good Will make that again
Best salmon I’ve ever had
Hi there! With the recent house q, I have no fresh herbs in the house. You say not to use dried, so what else can I use?
Thank you!
This is beyond amazing! I’ve had nothing but success with recipes from damn delicious!
I’ve used this recipe so many times This time I used Frozen salmon and it came out as delicious as ever. Thank u.
I’ve made this recipe many times and as you say it is “so damn delicious”! So glad I found your site. What more could one want, it’s fast, easy, delicious and no clean up.
The brown sugar in this is the secret ingredient! Delicious. Cooked it for my family and boyfriend and everyone loved it. Thank you!
Best salmon I’ve ever had! No kidding!
This was absolutely delicious! It will be my go-to meal going forward. Thanks for sharing this recipe, I can’t wait to check out some others.
This is my go to recipe for salmon. I have made this at least 6 times and it’s delicious!! I have added a few different spices to the mix, but it’s so easy and a real crowd pleaser! My family loves it!!
Making this tomorrow. Has anyone used frozen salmon with this??
Can’t wait to try this. Has anyone done this with frozen salmon?
Tried this tonight. Halved it since we only had 1 lb of salmon. I would reduce the butter next time since it was kinda of swimming in it but otherwise good. Thanks!
Did you reduce all the ingredients in half? Should I do more than half for half? I’m cooking a pound tonight.
This is my new favorite recipe. Thank you!!
I made this and believe me it is damn delicious! I am anxious to try some of the other salmon recipes.
I did without the herbs(except oregano) and it was awesome:) easy to do and minimal cleanup! 4/5 stars
I have this deadly to go into the oven now, having made it twice before and it’s delicious! This time I added asparagus spears next to the salmon in the foil. I hope it works. Has anyone ever done this?
How long would you cook this for 1.2Lbs of salmon?
Unfortunately, without having tried this myself, I cannot answer with certainty. But if you get a chance to try it, please let me know how it turns out! 🙂
This recipe was awesome! I did omit the brown sugar but it was still very flavorful! Yummy!
Made this tonight, it was delicious and so simple to make. I loved that I had all the ingredients on hand. My husband who is pretty picky about the way his salmon isn’t prepared enjoyed it very much. Adding this one to the rotation for sure!
Can you use salted butter instead of unsalted? Thanks!
Yes.
Gonna try this tomorrow
Didn’t understand the reason for the Brown Sugar… I’ve never used sugar on ANY type of fish before.
Until I tasted this finished recipe, now I know why!
It was to RUIN THE WHOLE THING!!
Totally Terrible!
I ended up tossing it in the trash
You must be independently wealthy if you can throw salmon away. And ita just 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. It just enhances the other flavors.
Don’t be such a drama queen. The recipe is wonderful.
I bet you live alone! What a nasty attitude.
That’s a strange thing to say…..some people love living alone….maybe you should try it 🙂
I absolutely love this recipe! Making it again for dinner tonight. <3
Awesome!
When baking salmon do you remove the skin
You can remove the skin or keep it on – it’s up to you and your personal preferences.
Hi Chungah, We had the grill heating up and a fast moving monsoon moved through my area and stopped any thought of grilling, so I found your recipe online and quickly put together the salmon in foil and it was damn delicious! Will definitely use again and again, thanks so much!
Oh wow! Glad you’re ok and had a delicious meal!
just asking I have never done salmon but am looking to know how much salmon per serving is recommended have 4 for dinner?
Just made this for dinner a few nights ago. Delicious!
Happy you liked it!
Family loved it. And I had to use lime juice I had already, since I forgot to get lemons. But I added lemon pepper. Whatever…still damn delicious.
I’m sure lime juice was great!
Just made this and it’s damn delicious! Haha it also was so quick and easy to prep and clean up. Thanks for the recipe!
That’s how we like it! Delicious, easy and minimal clean up! 🙂
Hi Chungah! This recipe looks great! Is there a way to cook this on a cast iron pan or a non stick on the stove? It’s the summer months and turning on the oven is killer!
Hi Jen! Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Made it tonite…it was okay but probably won’t make it agai
I was very excited to make this recipe, but I was extremely disappointed. I followed the recipe to a T and make salmon all the time. I just wanted a new recipe for salmon. No flavor.
Can cod be substituted for the Salmon? I don’t have any Salmon on hand.
Yes, absolutely, but please be mindful of the change in cooking times with this modification.
This recipe sounds simple and delicious! Going to make this for me and my daughter while my hubby is away on business. 2 pounds is too much for just 2 people. Could you recommend the best way to reheat the leftovers? My daughters favorite food is Salmon so leftovers wouldn’t go to waste. I don’t cook fish very often, don’t want it to dry out or turn rubbery.
Hi Shannon! Here are some great tips on how to reheat salmon without drying it out!
https://www.thekitchn.com/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-reheating-salmon-230418
OMG my very favorite… THANK YOU so much, can’t wait to try this.
My fave salmon is Sock Eye, and with garlic etc., this will be PERFECT way to cook it.
I’ve made this several times and it was a crowd pleaser every time. !!
I tried it – Didn’t really like it as well as plain salmon with lemon and salt. Didn’t weigh the salmon, but two pieces about 3/4 inch thick and maybe 6 inches by 2 !/2 inches thawed in refrigerator for 2 days 40 degrees. The salmon flaked easily so it was done.
Why do people keep asking where does the Parmesan go? lol
I want to make this with two 6oz salmon pieces. How would the cooking time need to be adjusted? Not trying to get food poisoning from cooking salmon for the first time…
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Love your recipes. Especially this Salmon. It was damn delicious. Lol
Just made it tonight. And oh so onolicious! plus my kitchen smells so good. thank you for Chungah! you’re the best!
CHUNGAH, my boyfriend and I just tried this recipe and it was AWESOME!! Keep up the good work!!
Your illustration photo about that dish makes my mouth watering. After serve this dish, if i have some leftovers, how long can it be preserve in refrigerator?
A couple of days or so but methods for optimal food storage and shelf life should be based on good judgment and what you are personally comfortable with.
Would the cook time change if I chose to do individual packets instead of a whole salmon? Looks delicious and can’t wait to try making it!
Yes, cooking time may have to be reduced as needed.
do you think you could use dijon mustard in place of the butter to make it more healthy?
Yes, what a great idea!
Hi,i made this recipe on grill and i omitted sugar as we are restricting sugar intake and i did not have dried oregano and rosemary hence i omitted them too.
But this recipe still taste marvelous. Now this recipe has became our favourite dish. Thanks so much. Next time shall try full recipe. Thanks for your delicious yet healthy healthy recipe.
I used white wine instead of lemon juice and it was PHENOMENAL!
I just made this salmon tonight for dinner!…. It was amazing!!!!!… Very tender and moist. I followed your exact recipe and I’m glad I did! This salmon was the best salmon I ever had… My husband ate every last bite. I will for sure be making this recipe again and again. Thank you!
Made this today for lunch with friends and it was a HIT!!!! So easy and soooooo delicious!
I made this last night, and it was delicious – and so easy! As a salmon newb, I especially appreciated that part 😉 About how long, and at what temperature, should I bake this if I wanted to leave the foil open, to have it be more flaky than juicy?
Cooking time should relatively be about the same – but as always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Wow, that salmon look so delicious!!! Have to try making this weekend. Thanks for sharing:)
Made this today, using just a one-person portion of salmon. I’m on a ketogenic diet, so I replaced brown sugar with a dash of sugar substitute — salmon doesn’t really need added sweetness anyway. Absolutely delicious!
Wrapping in foil also means less cleaning up too!
Thank you!
Are the nutrition facts for calories etc, per 1 serving or all 4?
The nutritional information is for each serving.
I made this tonight but I cut the butter down to 2 tbsp and used more lemon juice. Trying to eat healthier. I also used honey in place of brown suggar. It was still really good. 🙂
I ttied this recipe tonight and all of the flavor was on top of the fish which left the rest of the fish lacking flavor. I guess next time I will need to infuse the fish somehow.
amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! so buttery and so delicious!
Is it okay to omit the brown sugar?
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Would roasted garlic work for this recipe as well? I can do both, I’ve just got some roasted garlic to use up.
Looks suuuuper delicious though! Will be making tonight ether way!
Yes, absolutely. That sounds amazing!
Ima try this tonight,,wish me luck.
Ima try this tonight.
This recipe was not my favorite. Too sweet. I guess I prefer more savory.
Made this for supper last night, so yummy!! Quick and easy. Popped a couple baking potatoes in the microwave about halfway through the salmon cooking and man did I look like I had my act together! Definitely going in my recipe book. Thanks for showing me another way to enjoy something very good for me!
Do you think I could replace the salmon with tilapia? Maybe omit the brown sugar?
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Instead of garlic can I use mango diced. I like tilapia so
I WAS wondering.
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
I tried this recipe yesterday and it was absolutely delish!!!! Thank you so much.
can we add parmesan ?
Yes!
I’m using your recipe tonight. The only thing I didn’t have on hand was the parsley. But the marinade still tastes really good. Can’t wait.
Can i use frozen salmon? Ans if yes shpuld it be defrosted and then used?
Yes, it is best to defrost.
Can you substitute olive oil for the butter?
Yes, but butter is best!
35 minutes at 375 degrees and still waiting for the salmon to be done…
I’m having the same issue…
Making this tonight and me too. Not even close to being done after 20 Min
Could I replace brown sugar with white sugar? Would it turn out the same?
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment regarding substitutions and modifications.
Hey, I’m new to gush recipe. Do you keep the skin on or off? And if on, then do I lay the salmon with the skin having up or down?
Thanks!
You can leave it on or off. It’s up to you! If you keep it on, then it is best to lay the salmon skin side down.
Made this for supper last night for my husbsnds birthday dinner. We both loved it.
I love your recipes. I want to make this for a family dinner. I need to serve 12 adults. Can you give me any guidance on that? Thank you so much!
You can double or triple the recipe as needed.
This was THE BEST!!!! salmon I’ve ever had. Didn’t have fresh garlic or parsely so used used dried. 1 tsp each of salt, garlic powder, and pepper. But otherwise followed recipe exactly. My kids and husband really liked it too!
Thanks for sharing,I just made it and it was delicious.
Thanks so much for this wonderful recipe. My 3 kids are so picky about they’ll eat, and they love this recipe. I have to make this about 3 times a month. Thanks again and keep sending us more awesome recipes.
Did you melted the butter before adding it to the salmon?
Yes. The ingredient list calls for 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
Thanks for sharing this quick and simple recipe! I used 1lb of salmon and therefore halved the recipe, and the only things I changed due to preference was using only 1TB of butter, and eliminated thyme since I’m not a fan. For those wondering if less butter would mess up the recipe, nope! 🙂 I think that 1TB was plenty actually! The salmon came out extremely moist, fell apart so easily and beautifully when touched with a fork, and had a mild yet pleasant flavor. The quick clean-up is definitely a perk!
Does the brown sugar make it more like bbq?
Not at all!
Made this tonight. It was absolutely delicious! This my new favorite recipe for cooking salmon. The only thing that was changed was that I didn’t add lemon juice. Thanks Chungah!
I have a 2.91 lb copper river salmon. Do I need to cook much longer and will the sauce still be enough?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds salmon so you may need to double or multiply the sauce by 1.5 – it’s really up to you. Cooking time may also have to be adjusted accordingly.
Will it taste as good with less butter? My daughter has a genetic disorder and we try not to eat that much fat. Looks delicious…thinking of making this for dinner tomorrow
Yes, you can reduce the amount of butter as needed.
This looks delicious and easy! Making this soon! Thanks!
livingthewolfstyle.com
This sounds delicious! How many people will a 2lb salmon feed? I want to do this for a small dinner get together. Thanks!!
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Usual serving size for salmon is 6oz per person.
I made this last night and it was superb! My only question/issue is that my salmon isn’t that bright beautiful color likes yours in the picture. It came out a pale version. Is there any reason why?
The salmon here was broiled for a few minutes just to add some color for photographic purposes.
Ah! Tricks of the trade. Thanks for all the amazing recipes. From one Korean to another. 🙂
Hi Chungah! I think I might try this tonight with some friends. If I put on the BBQ, do you recommend keeping with the foil or would direct on the grill be OK?
I recommend keeping it with the foil – it reduces the mess, accelerates cooking time and keeps the fish tender by sealing in moisture and flavor.
Do you think I could sub ghee for the butter? Dairy allergy
Unfortunately, without further recipe testing, I cannot answer with certainty. As always, please use your best judgment.
Hello fab, I to have a Dairy allergy and in place of butter we use Smart Balance Light it is made with Flax Seed Oil and there is also one made with Olive Oil and some others. Those two we have used. Very very good and healthy and also looks and tastes just like butter, I assume. Lol
Best of luck
Jimmy
Your dairy allergy is so bad you can’t have butter? Smart Balance has butter and milk. Its not healthy for you, it’s horrible for you. Its not made with flax seed oil and some others. It’s made with canola oil.
Use Ghee
Skin on or off?
Thanks!
It’s up to you! 🙂
Thanks, looks great. Guess what is for dinner tonight?
Looks so succulent and juicy! Guess what is for dinner tonight?
Would this turn out as well without the garlic? Alleries.
Yes, you can omit the garlic as needed to suit your dietary restrictions.
Yeah I try this recipe with my mom,it looks yummy,good to see here,,thanks for beautiful pics..
Good Recipe. I Love This
Hi Chungah, I tried the recipe tonite for dinner & it was delicious!!! It was fast & easy!!! Thank you.
I trust you like I don’t trust anyone else. I tried your Quinoa with some drip beef I had made, and my hubby and I loved it. I am trying your recipes like crazy and can’t wait to do the salmon. I hate fish! But salmon, done right, can be delishious. You may be responsible for my future health. I have liver problems and have been told not to eat sugar ANYMORE. It was hard at first, but with recipes like yours, I am seeing a future with food in it AND I’ve lost 10 lbs.!!
I look forward to a long life serving your recipes. June
I have liver issues as well…although I know I ve been told to lay off salt….and cutting out sugar to lose weight but no sugar? Really? Making this salmon dish tonight!!
This looks very tasty. Could this be used on shrimp? Would love to make it today. Thsnks for sharing:)
Yes, absolutely. What a great idea!
Hi, would u recommend d baking time n temperature if using prawn in this recipe? Many thanks
Whenever I cook salmon in foil, parts of it tend to get stuck to the foil once cooked. Do you have any tips to prevent this?
You can try using nonstick spray.
I use Reynolds non-stick foil. And No I don’t work for Reynolds. 🙂
Have you ever grilled using this same recipe?
This sounds so yummy!!
I actually have not but you can definitely throw it on the grill – perfect for Memorial Day!
Ooh, yummy! Guess what I’m making for dinner tonight?!! Chungah you never, ever disappoint. My husband and guests are always over the moon with your recipes…Thank you for making life THAT much easier!
Where does the parmesan cheese go? Love your recipes!
There’s actually no Parmesan in this recipe.
Could you prepare this the same way on the grill?
Yes, absolutely.
So Chunga,,, there’s no parmesan??… (Light humor) after reading responses….
Thanks, looks great.
I can see Parmesan in the ingredients but you don t call for it in the directions.
There’s actually no Parmesan in this recipe.
That’s garlic on top that may look like. Parmesan.
Making this as I type this- where does the parmesan cheese go? I assume in the butter mixture? 🙂
There’s actually no Parmesan in this recipe.
Looks delicious! I love the pic of you!!! Is it old and I’ve missed it??
It’s new actually. 🙂
Yes I Think..!
Can you make this using salmon steaks?
Yes, absolutely. What a great idea!