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Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon in Foil – Best 15-Minute Dinner

baked lemon garlic salmon in foil - featured image

This easy baked lemon garlic salmon in foil is the perfect quick and healthy weeknight dinner. Ready in about 15 minutes with minimal cleanup, it delivers tender, flaky salmon infused with bright lemon and garlic flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (juice and thin slices)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Prepare the foil packets: Tear off four sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. Lay them flat on your work surface. Optionally, place a sheet of parchment on top of each foil sheet.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place one fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  4. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each fillet. Divide the minced garlic evenly among the four fillets, sprinkling it over the butter. Top each fillet with 2-3 thin slices of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
  5. If adding vegetables, arrange them around the salmon fillet inside the foil packet. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt before sealing.
  6. Fold the foil over the salmon to create a packet. Crimp the edges tightly to seal, leaving a little room inside for steam to circulate.
  7. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  8. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the packets rest for 2 minutes before opening. Use tongs to transfer each packet to a plate. Be careful when opening the packets—the steam inside is extremely hot.
  9. Squeeze a little extra fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with additional fresh dill if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for best results. Use thin lemon slices to avoid bitterness. Do not skip the resting time after baking. For meal prep, store cooked packets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven (300°F) for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon garlic salmon, foil packet salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy salmon, 15-minute dinner, weeknight dinner