This Baked Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil is a real treat! The sweet honey and savory garlic make a yummy sauce that coats the salmon beautifully. Plus, cooking in foil means less mess!
You’ll love how tender and moist the salmon comes out. I often serve it with rice and veggies for a colorful meal. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll want seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets bring a rich flavor to this dish. You can use skin-on or skinless depending on your preference. If salmon isn’t available, try an equally versatile fish like trout or tilapia.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness that balances the saltiness of soy sauce. Maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor or a vegan option.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce works well, but for a gluten-free version, turn to tamari. You can also use coconut aminos for a lighter taste.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic is key for a strong flavor, and ginger adds a nice kick. If you’re out of ginger, you could skip it or use a dash of ground ginger as a backup.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and richness to the salmon. You can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer.
How Do I Create a Perfect Foil Packet?
Making a foil packet is straightforward, but doing it right ensures even cooking and keeps the salmon moist. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large piece of aluminum foil, about 18 inches long. This gives you enough room to fold and seal.
- Place the salmon fillets in the center of the foil, skin side down.
- Drizzle your honey garlic mixture over the fillets generously.
- To create a seal, fold the sides of the foil up over the salmon, then fold the top down to prevent leaks. Make sure it’s tight but not too tight – the steam needs some space to circulate.
By sealing the packet well, you’ll trap moisture and flavor, resulting in tender, flavorful salmon every time! Don’t forget to be careful when unsealing, as hot steam can escape!
How to Make Baked Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salmon dish takes about 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of baking time. So, in just about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a tasty and healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your salmon cooks perfectly once it’s in the oven.
2. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger (if you’re using it), lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend well until all ingredients are nicely combined.
3. Set Up Your Foil:
Cut a large piece of aluminum foil, about 18 inches long, and lay it flat on a baking sheet. This is where you’ll cook the salmon.
4. Add the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets on the foil with the skin side down. Drizzle the honey garlic sauce you made over the salmon, making sure each piece is nicely coated with the sauce.
5. Create a Foil Packet:
Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to form a sealed packet. Make sure there are no leaks so that the flavors stay in while it cooks!
6. Bake the Salmon:
Now, place the baking sheet with the foil packet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on how thick your salmon fillets are. It’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Unwrap and Garnish:
Once the fish is done, carefully open the foil packet—be cautious of the hot steam. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a lovely garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your baked honey garlic salmon hot, paired with sides like rice or steamed veggies. Enjoy this quick yet scrumptious meal!
Can I Substitute Maple Syrup for Honey?
Yes, you can! Maple syrup will add a different flavor profile, but it works well as a sweetener in this recipe. Use the same amount (1/4 cup) to maintain the sweetness. Just keep in mind that the final taste will be slightly different from the original honey garlic version.
What Can I Use Instead of Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using tamari instead of soy sauce. For a soy-free alternative, coconut aminos works great too! You can substitute it using the same amount (3 tablespoons) to get that necessary umami flavor.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the honey garlic mixture and marinate the salmon up to 2 hours before cooking. Just keep the salmon covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the cooking instructions straight from the fridge, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This will help retain its moisture rather than drying it out in the microwave.
