Foil pack salmon is a wonderful, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. This garlic butter salmon bakes in foil for an effortless, moist result. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon and fresh herbs elevates the salmon without masking its natural flavor. Below you’ll find a clear, streamlined recipe that’s adaptable to your taste and to other types of fish if you prefer. 
Foil Pack Garlic Butter Salmon
This dish is light, aromatic and ideal for anyone who enjoys seafood or follows a pescatarian diet. In warm weather you can finish these packets on the grill for a subtle smoky note, though baking in the oven delivers consistently great results. The garlic butter blend is flexible: increase or decrease the garlic, swap herbs, or add a splash of white wine for variation. The method keeps the salmon tender and evenly cooked while trapping the buttery herb sauce right against the fillet.
Watch Video of our Baked Salmon Foil Pack Recipe
The ingredient list is short and simple, and the technique focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal effort. A modest amount of butter combined with garlic and lemon creates a rich sauce that complements the salmon’s natural richness. This recipe works well for family dinners, meal prep portions, or for entertaining when you want a hands-off main course that still looks and tastes special.
Can you use different fish in this foil pack salmon recipe?
Yes — this foil pack method is versatile and works for many types of fish. Thinner filets, like sole or tilapia, will require less cooking time, while thicker cuts such as cod or halibut need a bit longer. Shrimp also adapts nicely to the garlic butter and cooks quickly in a packet. Always adjust baking time to the thickness of the fish and your preferred level of doneness, and check the center for flakiness to ensure it is cooked through.
Honey Garlic Salmon Recipe
Here are more easy and delicious recipes:
- Slow cooker taco chicken salad
- Healthy white fish with lemon and capers
- Lemon pepper chicken with creamy sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Salmon
- Easy teriyaki salmon recipe
Foil-Pack Baked Garlic Butter Salmon
2 servings
15 mins
15 mins
30 mins
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (6-7 ounces each)
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme (or oregano, or a mix)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh chopped dill)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium lemon, cut into wedges
- Fresh minced parsley for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of aluminum foil that extends beyond the pan edges. Place the salmon fillets on the foil and bring up the sides, leaving the top open for now.
- In a small bowl, whisk the melted butter with the minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme or oregano, dill, salt and pepper until combined.
- Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Fold the foil over to cover the fish almost completely, leaving a small vent at the top so steam can escape.
- Bake until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, about 15 minutes depending on thickness. Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes; thinner fillets will cook faster.
- Remove from the oven, open the foil carefully, and serve warm with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Video
Nutrition Information per Serving
This foil pack salmon recipe was originally published in 2019 and refreshed with updated photos in 2021. It remains a reliable, simple way to get tender, flavorful salmon with minimal cleanup.