Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Foil

$- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 4 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 lemon, sliced - Aluminum foil - Baking sheet To make Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Foil, gather these simple ingredients. First, get the salmon fillets. They should be fresh and firm for the best taste. The unsalted butter adds creaminess and richness. Minced garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add color and freshness. For flavor enhancers, lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. The slices of lemon on top give a pretty look and extra zing. You will need aluminum foil to wrap the salmon and keep it moist while baking. A baking sheet is essential for easy handling in the oven. By using these ingredients, you set the stage for a delightful meal. Each element plays a key role in creating a dish that bursts with flavor. Try to use fresh herbs whenever you can; they truly make a difference. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help cook the salmon well. 2. Make the garlic herb butter In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of softened butter with 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped dill, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all until smooth. This blend adds a rich flavor to your salmon. 1. Cut aluminum foil sheets Grab four sheets of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. These will hold your salmon and keep it juicy. 2. Assemble the salmon packets Place each salmon fillet in the center of the foil. Spoon a generous amount of your garlic herb butter over each fillet. Top each with lemon slices and a sprig of thyme if you like. Fold the foil edges up tightly to seal the packets. This keeps the flavors in. 1. Baking time and temperature Place the foil packets on a baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily. 2. How to check for doneness After baking, carefully open the packets. Watch out for hot steam! Use a fork to check if the salmon flakes apart easily. If it does, it's ready to eat. To make garlic herb butter, start with softened butter. It should be creamy and easy to mix. If your butter is too hard, let it sit out for a bit. You want it to blend smoothly with the garlic and herbs. Can I use dried herbs? Yes, you can! Dried herbs work well, but they might taste less fresh. If using dried herbs, use about one-third of the amount you would with fresh herbs. This helps keep the flavor balanced. Cooking time for salmon varies with thickness. For fillets about 6 oz, bake for 15 to 20 minutes. If your fillets are thicker, add a few more minutes. Check for doneness by gently pressing with a fork. It should flake apart easily. Sealing the foil packets is key. Make sure to fold the edges tightly. This keeps moisture in and flavors sealed. A good seal helps the salmon cook evenly. For side dishes, think light and fresh. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or green beans, pair well. A simple salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the salmon. You can serve salmon directly from the foil. It looks nice and keeps it warm. Just open the packet carefully to avoid steam. If you prefer, you can transfer the salmon to a plate for a fancier look. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic and herbs have a more vibrant taste compared to dried ones. Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it's cooked just until it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent dryness. Foil Packet Sealing: Ensure your foil packets are sealed tightly to lock in moisture and flavors. This will result in a more succulent salmon. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize the garlic herb butter with other herbs or spices you enjoy, like rosemary or paprika, to create your unique twist. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs in the recipe based on the season. For spring, use fresh basil or chives. In summer, try cilantro for a bright taste. In fall, rosemary adds warmth. In winter, thyme stands strong against the cold. Adding spices can bring a new kick. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Smoked paprika offers a great depth. Experimenting with seasoning can make your salmon unique. Grilling is a fun way to cook salmon. The grill adds a smoky flavor that everyone loves. Just wrap the salmon in foil and place it on the grill. Cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes. Using an Instant Pot is another quick option. You can place the salmon in the pot with some water. Cook on high for about 3-5 minutes for moist and flavorful salmon. If you don’t want to use salmon, chicken works well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Boneless chicken breasts need about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Tofu can also be a great choice for a plant-based meal. Press the tofu to remove extra water. Then, marinate it in the garlic herb butter before wrapping it in foil. This way, you can adapt the recipe for different diets. Store leftover salmon in an airtight container. It helps keep the fish fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to cool it first. Always check for any off smells before eating leftovers. To freeze your salmon packs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze salmon for up to three months. To thaw, move the salmon to the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, place the sealed pack in cold water. Reheat in the oven or on the stove until warm. You can prep salmon for the week by making a few foil packs at once. Store them in the fridge or freezer. For quick reheating, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until warm. This makes healthy meals easy and fast! Yes, you can make Garlic Herb Butter ahead of time. Mix the butter, garlic, and herbs, then store it in the fridge. It stays fresh for about a week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just scoop out what you need when you cook. This makes your meal prep faster and easier. Garlic Herb Butter Salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Rice pilaf These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the rich taste of the salmon. To check if your salmon is done, look for these signs: - The salmon should be opaque and firm. - Use a fork to test it; it should flake easily. - The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you follow these tips, you'll serve perfectly cooked salmon every time. This post covered how to make Garlic Herb Butter Salmon. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. I shared ways to enhance flavor and variations to keep your meals exciting. Remember, using fresh herbs can greatly boost taste. Feel free to experiment with other proteins, too. Following these tips, you'll create delicious meals hassle-free. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your family! Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so keep trying new things in the kitchen.$

Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Foil

A delicious salmon dish wrapped in foil with garlic herb butter, perfect for baking.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste salt and pepper
1 lemon sliced
4 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
1 sheet aluminum foil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined to form the garlic herb butter.
Cut four sheets of aluminum foil (about 12 inches long) large enough to wrap each salmon fillet.
Place a salmon fillet in the center of each piece of foil. Spoon a generous amount of the garlic herb butter over each fillet.
Top each salmon fillet with a few slices of lemon and a sprig of thyme, if using.
Fold the edges of the foil up to create a tightly sealed packet, ensuring that no juices can escape.
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and serve the salmon directly from the foil or transfer to plates.

Notes

Serve directly from the foil for easy cleanup.

Keyword butter, foil, garlic, herbs, salmon