These salmon foil packets are covered in a tomato, shallot, lemon, and caper dressing, and baked to moist and delicious perfection. They’re incredibly easy to make and are perfect for the oven, grill or even the campfire! Let me show you why all the best salmon recipes are wrapped in foil with this oven baked salmon in foil recipe.
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Why bake salmon in foil?
Wrapping salmon in foil helps trap moisture and steam, both of which get released during the cooking process. This creates a gentle and controlled temperature, and prevents the fish from drying out, giving your baked salmon a succulently moist texture every time–no salmon marinade necessary.
I really do swear by this method! As proven by my dozens of foil baked salmon recipes… check out this bourbon glazed salmon or my parmesan crusted salmon.
Ingredients For Salmon Foil Packets
This foil baked salmon comes together with a handful of fresh and pantry ingredients for a flavor packed dish that’s so easy to make! Here’s what to gather:
- Fresh stuff: Lemon juice, shallots, and asparagus are all you need for this foil baked salmon.
- Pantry stuff: Grab some olive oil, diced tomatoes, capers, and Italian seasoning.
- Salmon: Wild caught salmon is less likely to accumulate contaminants found in farmed fish, so we much prefer it! I also prefer skinless when making oven baked salmon in foil, as the skin won’t be crisp and lends an odd texture–skin on is best for pan seared salmon.
What other veggies can I add?
Any vegetables that complement salmon would make a delicious addition. Here are some of my favorites–for even more ideas check out my salmon salad or smoked salmon salad recipes.
- Broccoli, I used this when making lemon pepper salmon.
- Sliced zucchini, summer squash, and red onions.
- Asparagus and salmon are a match made in heaven.
- Baby bok choy (yes, the flavors would totally work here!)–just like this sesame crusted salmon.
How long do you grill salmon in foil packets?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and bake the salmon foil packets for 12-15 minutes with the lid on. You’ll know your salmon is done once the center flakes easily and reaches and internal temp of 145 F.
How to Bake Salmon in Foil?
So easy to make, and even easier to eat. Here are step-by-step instructions and photos for baking salmon in foil:
- Pat salmon dry, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine all topping ingredients together in a bowl.
- Place salmon on a sheet of foil, nestle seasoned asparagus on the side, and cover with topping.
How long to bake salmon in foil?
Bake your salmon foil packets for 16-22 minutes. The amount of time will depend on how thick your filets are. Check your salmon, and pull it from the oven early to test doneness. Psst–be super careful when opening the packets as steam will escape!
What to Serve With Foil Baked Salmon
This oven baked salmon in foil is perfect on its own for a low carb, keto, even a paleo meal! If you want to bulk it up with sides, I suggest:
- Baguette or toasted bread to soak up the additional sauce.
- Rice, cauliflower rice, or your favorite mild grains. You can also dice up the filets and turn them into an easy to eat salmon bowl.
- Buttered spaghetti noodles, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.
More Salmon Recipes
Salmon Foil Packets
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound salmon cut into 4 filets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1, 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes drained
- 2 shallots chopped
- 1/4 cup capers drained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bunch asparagus cut into thirds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or grill to 400 F and prep 4 – 18 x 12 pieces of aluminum foil.
- Brush salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the 2 remaining tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, tomatoes, shallots, capers, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of both salt and pepper.
- Place a piece of salmon in the center of each sheet of foil, and nestle 1/4 of the asparagus next to each piece of salmon.
- Top salmon with tomatoes and shallot combo, then double fold the foil to form a pocket, leaving space above each piece of salmon for steam.
- If baking in the oven, place foil packets on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake/grill until the salmon is cooked through and the veggies are tender, about 16-22 minutes. Carefully open the packets, they’ll be full of steam.
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