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Quick Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil: 20-Minute Dinner

honey garlic salmon in foil - featured image

This honey garlic salmon in foil packets is a quick, foolproof weeknight dinner that converts even the biggest salmon skeptics. The foil traps steam and the sweet-savory glaze, resulting in tender, flaky fish every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170g each)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Chopped green onions for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then brush lightly with olive oil.
  4. Wash and chop vegetables into small, uniform pieces.
  5. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty foil, each about 12×18 inches. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each sheet. Arrange vegetables around the fish. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of the honey garlic sauce over each fillet and vegetables. Reserve some sauce for serving if desired.
  6. Fold foil over salmon and vegetables, crimp edges tightly to create a sealed packet, leaving a little space inside for steam circulation. Place packets on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. For 1-inch thick fillets, 12 minutes gives medium-rare, 15 minutes for well-done.
  8. Let packets rest for 2-3 minutes before opening. Open carefully, letting steam escape away from your face.
  9. Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing. Don’t overcrowd packets; keep vegetables to about half a cup per fillet. Make extra sauce for serving. Thaw salmon completely before cooking. For best results, let packets rest before opening.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, foil packet salmon, quick salmon dinner, weeknight salmon, healthy salmon recipe