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

honey garlic salmon in foil - featured image

This Light Honey Garlic Salmon in Foil is a quick and easy 20-minute dinner that brings back the memory of a beloved wine bar’s honey-glazed salmon. The foil packet method traps the honey garlic sauce against the fish for perfectly tender, flaky results with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin on or off
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Tear off four large sheets of aluminum foil—about 12 inches each.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place each fillet in the center of a foil sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Adjust sweetness or saltiness to taste.
  4. Pour the sauce over the salmon, dividing evenly among the four fillets.
  5. Fold the edges of the foil up and over the salmon, crimping to create a tight seal. Leave about an inch of space inside for steam to circulate.
  6. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. For 1-inch thick fillets, 13 minutes is usually perfect. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C) for medium, 130°F (54°C) for medium-well.
  7. Optional: Open the foil packets carefully and broil for 1-2 minutes for caramelization on top. Watch closely.
  8. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it allows juices to redistribute. Watch the thickness of your fillets; thinner pieces may cook faster. For consistent results, use room temperature salmon. Be careful when opening foil packets as steam can burn. If you don’t have a microplane, mince ginger finely with a knife. For a low-carb version, swap honey for a sugar-free substitute. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave at 50% power.

Nutrition

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