Easy 20-Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil: Perfectly Moist and Flavorful

If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood dinner without the fuss, Easy 20-Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil is your answer. This recipe produces tender, flaky salmon infused with a rich garlic butter flavor, all cooked effortlessly in foil to lock in moisture and aroma. It’s a simple, yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

The beauty of cooking salmon in foil is that it steams in its own juices along with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. This method keeps the fish perfectly moist while allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. With only a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have a delicious, balanced, and wholesome meal ready in just 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, including prep time.
Moist, flavorful salmon – Garlic butter and herbs enhance the natural taste of the fish.
Minimal cleanup – Cooking in foil makes cleanup almost effortless.
Healthy and balanced – High in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and paired with your choice of vegetables.
Versatile serving options – Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 g each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dill, chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

Optional Additions

Thin lemon slices for garnish
Fresh parsley for finishing
Vegetables for foil packets (e.g., asparagus, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme or dill, salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple garlic butter blend will infuse your salmon with rich, savory flavor.

3. Prepare the Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Place each fillet on a piece of foil large enough to fold into a sealed packet.
Spread a generous amount of garlic butter over the top of each fillet.
Optional: Lay thin lemon slices on top of the salmon for added aroma and flavor.

4. Seal the Foil Packets

Fold the foil over the salmon, sealing the edges to create individual packets. This ensures the salmon steams in its own juices, keeping it tender and moist.

5. Bake the Salmon

Place the foil packets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

6. Serve

Carefully open the foil packets to release the steam. Transfer salmon to plates, drizzle with any remaining juices from the packet, and garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon

Use fresh salmon – Fresh, high-quality salmon ensures the best flavor and texture.
Avoid overcooking – Salmon cooks quickly; check after 15 minutes for medium-thick fillets.
Foil steaming – Sealing the foil keeps the fish moist and prevents drying out.
Customize flavors – Add your favorite herbs such as tarragon, basil, or chives for variation.
Add vegetables – Cook asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes in the same foil packet for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon pairs beautifully with:

Grains – Serve over jasmine rice, quinoa, or couscous to absorb the flavorful juices.
Vegetables – Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple salad adds freshness and balance.
Potatoes – Mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or sweet potato wedges complement the richness of the butter.
Sauces – A drizzle of extra garlic butter, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a light yogurt-based sauce enhances flavor.

Creative Variations

Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
Herb-Infused Salmon – Mix parsley, tarragon, or basil into the butter for a fragrant twist.
Citrus Explosion – Use a combination of orange and lemon zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Foil-Baked Veggie Packets – Include sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in the packet for a colorful, one-pan meal.
Parmesan Crust – Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top of the butter before baking for a savory crust.

Meal Prep and Storage

Refrigeration – Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Gently reheat in a foil packet in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Freezing – Salmon can be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months, though texture is best fresh. Freeze in portions with garlic butter for easy reheating.
Make-ahead tips – Pre-mix garlic butter and store in the fridge; add to salmon just before baking for ultra-quick prep.

Nutritional Benefits

Salmon – High in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D, supporting heart, brain, and bone health.
Garlic – Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Lemon – Adds vitamin C and brightens flavors without extra calories.
Vegetables – Optional roasted vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

This dish is both indulgent and nutrient-dense, perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal in minimal time.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe’s success lies in the simple, complementary flavors and quick cooking method:

Garlic butter – Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
Foil steaming – Ensures the salmon remains moist, tender, and flavorful.
Fresh herbs and lemon – Add brightness and depth.
Quick cooking – Ready in just 20 minutes, keeping the fish perfectly flaky.

Whether for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this method produces a perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality salmon every time.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Family-style serving – Place salmon on a platter with vegetables and grains; allow everyone to serve themselves.
Elegant plating – Fold the foil open slightly and serve the salmon directly in the foil for a rustic presentation.
Garnishes – Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or lemon zest to brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side pairings – Lightly steamed vegetables, quinoa salad, or roasted root vegetables make a well-rounded meal.

Final Thoughts

Easy 20-Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil is a perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and elegance. Juicy, flaky salmon infused with garlic butter and herbs creates a decadent yet healthy dish that’s ready in no time.

Ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or special occasions, this recipe proves that cooking seafood at home can be effortless and delicious. Pair with grains, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

With tender salmon, aromatic garlic butter, and optional fresh herbs, this recipe is a versatile, nutritious, and family-friendly dinner option that everyone will love.

Easy 20 Minute Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in Foil