Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil Recipe
This Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets coated in a flavorful honey mustard garlic sauce, baked to perfection in foil to lock in moisture and enhance taste. A quick and easy dish that combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, finished with a caramelized top under the broiler and garnished with fresh cilantro and lemon slices for a bright, aromatic touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Garnish
- 1 pound (450g) salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, for garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced, for garnish
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup (125ml) honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed through a garlic press
- 1/2 cup whole-grain Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Coarse salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Foil Packet: Position a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a large piece of aluminum foil, ensuring there is enough foil to fold over and seal the salmon inside to create a packet.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, whole-grain Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, red pepper flakes, Cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set this flavorful honey mustard garlic sauce aside.
- Assemble the Salmon Packet: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the lined baking sheet. Pour the honey garlic sauce evenly over the salmon, spreading it to coat the fillet thoroughly. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Fold up the sides of the foil over the salmon and seal the packet completely to prevent any sauce from leaking during baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the foil packet on the middle oven rack and bake the salmon for 10 to 15 minutes. The exact baking time depends on the thickness of the fillet and your preferred doneness. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Caramelize the Top: Carefully open the foil packet, watch out for hot steam, and switch the oven to broil on medium heat. Place the salmon under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to caramelize the honey garlic glaze on top, creating a slightly crisp and golden finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, transfer the salmon to a serving plate or serve directly from the foil if desired. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lemon slices. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes and Cayenne pepper to control the spice level to your liking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe.
- If you prefer a low-carb or keto version, you can reduce or omit the honey, substituting with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or omit entirely.
- Do not overbake the salmon to avoid drying it out; keep an eye on it starting at 10 minutes.
- Broiling caramelizes the glaze quickly; watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- The foil packet keeps the salmon moist and tender while infusing it with the sauce flavors.
Keywords: Honey Garlic Salmon, Baked Salmon, Foil Baked Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Honey Mustard Salmon, Weeknight Dinner, Healthy Salmon
