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Flaky Lemon Herb Salmon in Foil: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

lemon herb salmon in foil - featured image

This flaky lemon herb salmon in foil is a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner that’s on the table in under 20 minutes. Cooking the salmon in a foil packet creates a perfectly moist and tender texture with bright, fresh flavors, and cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 2 medium lemons (zested and juiced)
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the chopped dill, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and the zest of one lemon. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  3. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12-18 inches long. Place one salmon fillet in the center of each sheet.
  4. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over each fillet. Spoon a generous amount of the herb-garlic oil mixture on top of each piece of fish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Fold the sides of the foil up and over the salmon, leaving a little space at the top for steam to circulate. Fold the edges over tightly to create a sealed, airtight packet.
  6. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center (internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C).
  7. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the salmon rest in the sealed packets for 2-3 minutes.
  8. To serve, carefully open the foil packets (watch out for hot steam), and use a spatula to transfer the salmon to a plate. Spoon any of the delicious juices from the packet over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs.

Notes

For best results, use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing. Letting the fish rest in the sealed packet for a few minutes after baking is crucial for moistness. You can assemble the packets up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate; add a minute or two to cooking time if cooking from cold. This recipe is also great on the grill—cook packets over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C) for 12-15 minutes.

Nutrition

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