Oven Baked Salmon in Foil

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When I need a dinner that looks and tastes impressive but leaves almost no cleanup, this Oven Baked Salmon in Foil is always my go-to. I’ve made it for weeknight dinners, parties, and even camping trips, and it never fails.

A foil packet of salmon topped with black sesame seeds, open with a fork.

This easy baked salmon recipe is the kind of weeknight meal I can prep in minutes without giving it a second thought. Since the marinade is made with pantry staples like sesame oil and coconut aminos, there’s no need for last-minute grocery runs.

And cleanup? Basically none. Just bake the salmon, then toss the foil when you’re done and enjoy the rest of your evening.

Like my recipes for Honey Balsamic Salmon, Roasted Salmon with Oranges, and Salmon Stir Fry, this fish recipe is sure to become one of your family’s new favorites!

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Happy Kitchen Secrets

Here are my top mom-tested tips for foil-baked salmon that you don’t want to skip:

  • Use heavy-duty foil or double-layer standard foil so the packets don’t rip or leak.
  • Don’t skip the marinating time. Even 30 minutes helps the flavor soak in while the fish sits in the foil.
  • Seal the packets tightly. This traps in moisture and steam so your salmon stays tender and never dries out.Check for doneness at the thickest part.
  • Cook salmon until it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. Salmon is done when it reaches between 125-145°F.
Ingredients for oven baked salmon in foil laid out, including salmon fillets, baby bella mushrooms, green onions, fresh snowpeas, lemon, grated ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, coconut aminos, salt, and pepper.

Ingredients

Most of these ingredients are simple, but a few make this salmon stand out:

  • Coconut Aminos: A gluten-free soy sauce alternative that’s rich and slightly sweet.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds toasty, nutty depth to the marinade. Don’t skip it!
  • Fresh Ginger and Garlic: These are key for bold flavor. Fresh is best here.
  • Snow Peas and Mushrooms: These steam in the foil alongside the fish for an easy one-packet meal.
  • Lemon Slices: Placed on top for a citrus aroma and flavor while baking. Salmon with lemon is a classic for a reason!

Instructions

A collage showing the step by step process to make foil packets.
  1. Make the marinade: I start by whisking together sesame oil, coconut aminos, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This can be made in advance if needed.
  2. Assemble the foil packets: Lay out four sheets of aluminum foil. Pile the snow peas and mushrooms in the center of each sheet, then place the salmon fillet on top. Add a lemon slice on top of the fish.
  3. Seal and marinate: Fold the sides of the foil slightly to keep the marinade from spilling, then pour the marinade over each piece of fish. Fold and seal the packets completely, then refrigerate for about an hour to marinate.
  4. Bake or grill: Pop the packets on a sheet pan and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, or place directly on the grill over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
  5. Finish and serve: Open each foil packet carefully, top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately. No need for extra pans, serving dishes, or even side veggies. That’s it! You can either bake in the oven or grill outside, whatever you prefer!

If you love trying new ways of making salmon, be sure to check out our other best salmon marinades!

Collage of two photos, one showing the finished salmon in the foil packet, and the other showing an individual bite of salmon on a fork.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the salmon packets as-is or alongside:

FAQ

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and marinate the packets up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I use frozen salmon?

If using frozen salmon, make sure it’s fully thawed before assembling the packets so the fish cooks evenly.

Can I freeze leftover salmon?

Absolutely. Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

If you love trying new salmon recipes, be sure to check out our other best salmon marinades!

Did you make this recipe?

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I'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Please leave a comment and rating below!

A foil packet of salmon topped with black sesame seeds and a lemon slice, open with a fork taking a bite.

Oven Baked Salmon in Foil

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
When I need a dinner that looks and tastes impressive but leaves almost no cleanup, this Oven Baked Salmon in Foil is always my go-to. I’ve made it for weeknight dinners, parties, and even camping trips, and it never fails. Rich salmon, crisp-tender veggies, and bold, savory flavor all wrapped in a no-mess packet that bakes to perfection!
5 from 5 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Laura Miner

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 1 lb salmon 4 fillets, approximately 4-6 oz. each
  • 2 cups fresh snow peas
  • 2 cups baby bella mushrooms

Marinade

  • 1.5 Tablespoon lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 3 Tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 2 Tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1.5 teaspoons grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons pepper

Toppings

  • 1 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 2 Tablespoon green onions sliced
  • 1/2 lemon sliced

Video

Instructions

Make the Marinade

  • Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, ginger, sesame oil, juice of half of the lemon, coconut aminos, salt, and pepper.

Prepare the Foil Packets

  • Slice the mushrooms and green onions and set them aside. Slice the other half of the lemon into rounds.
  • Lay out four large sheets of tin foil. Divide the snow peas and sliced mushrooms between them, laying a small pile of veggies in the center of each piece of tin foil. Place one fillet of fish on each and lay a slice of lemon on top of it. 
    Pull the sides of the foil up a bit, and gently press only two of the the ends together.
  • Pour the marinade mixture onto each fish, coating the top & bottom. Close the foil, sealing it on the top and sides fully, and let it marinate for about an hour. 

Oven Instructions

  • Preheat to 375. Place the fish packets on a cookie sheet and bake for about 18-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. Open the foil to check for doneness (it should be flakey), and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Grill Instructions

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Carefully place the foil packets on the grill and cook for 10 minutes. Open the foil to check for doneness (it should be flakey), and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe was originally published on 3/4/2014, and was republished on 7/12/20 with new photos.
  • You can assemble and marinate the packets up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
  • If using frozen salmon, make sure it’s fully thawed before assembling the packets so the fish cooks evenly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition

Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 515mg | Potassium: 825mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 578IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg
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A woman in a black dress smiles while holding a bowl of food with vegetables and ground meat in a kitchen.
Hey friend, I’m Madison!

I’m the mama behind Cook at Home Mom. Through simple, family-friendly recipes and practical meal prep tips, I show busy moms how to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable, even with packed schedules. So glad you are here!

5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

    1. Hi Barbara! Coconut aminos are a soy-free substitute for soy sauce (It’s Paleo and Whole30 compatible too). You can always substitute regular soy sauce if that works for you! -Laura

    1. Hi Charlene, Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoy the recipe! 🙂 -Laura