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Easy Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil – Best 20-Minute Dinner

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This Easy Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil is a foolproof 20-minute dinner that delivers tender, flaky salmon with a glossy sweet-savory glaze. Perfect for entertaining or a quick weeknight meal, with almost zero cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin on or off)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium works great)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle.
  2. Make the honey garlic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust honey or soy sauce to your preference.
  3. Prepare the foil packets: Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty foil, each about 12 inches long. Fold each sheet in half to create a double layer.
  4. Season the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Place one fillet in the center of each foil sheet.
  5. Add the sauce: Whisk the sauce again. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of sauce over each fillet. Use a spoon to spread it evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for later.
  6. Seal the packets: Bring the two long sides of the foil together over the salmon. Fold them down tightly, leaving some space inside for steam. Fold up the short ends to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s airtight.
  7. Bake the salmon: Place the packets on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness. For 1-inch thick fillets, 14 minutes is perfect. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.
  8. Thicken the remaining sauce: While the salmon bakes, pour the reserved sauce into a small saucepan. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened and glossy. Set aside.
  9. Open carefully: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the packets rest for 2 minutes. Cut a small slit in the foil to release steam before opening fully.
  10. Serve and garnish: Transfer each fillet to a plate. Drizzle with the thickened sauce. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it transforms the sauce into a restaurant-quality glaze. Watch the cooking time; salmon continues cooking after it comes out of the oven. Seal packets tight to prevent steam from escaping. Prep ahead by assembling packets up to 4 hours before serving. Use room temperature salmon for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey garlic salmon, salmon in foil, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute dinner, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon, dairy-free salmon

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/easy-honey-garlic-salmon-in-foil-best-20-minute-dinner/