How To Grill Salmon In Foil Step
STEP 1: Preheat grill to medium-high . Brush any food particles off the grill grates with a wire brush.
STEP 2: While the grill is heating prepare the packets.
- Combine the salt and pepper in a small bowl mix together.
- Spray the middle of one of the pieces of 12-inch by 18-inch pieces of foil with non-stick cooking spray .
- Place one of the salmon fillets in the middle of the foil skin side down. Sprinkle with 1/4 of the salt/pepper mix .
- Place 1 pat of the butter in the middle of the fillet and 2 lemon slices on top of the salmon .
- Place 1/4 of the sliced onions and tomatoes on either side of the salmon.
Lemony Garlic Butter Grilled Salmon In Foil Packets With Green Beans
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This simple grilled salmon in foil recipe is packed with lemony garlic butter flavor! Adding green beans to the foil packet means you have have a healthy protein and side dish on the table in under 30 minutes
This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of Alaska Seafood as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central all opinions and text are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this site!
Grilling Salmon In Tin Foil
I love, LOVE this simple grilled salmon in foil recipe because it provides dinner and a side in under 30 minutes! I really wish Id learned sooner how easy grilling salmon in tin foil is. And my kids are crazy about it, so that makes it a double win!
Add some fresh cut seasonal fruit or a simple side salad, and its one of the easiest dinners EVER to prepare. I feel kind of foolish for feeling so apprehensive about preparing salmon at home for all these years.
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Grilled Salmon Recipe Faq
Is aluminum safe to cook with?
Understandably, there are concerns about the safety of consuming aluminum. The truth is, aluminum is present in commercially manufactured foods as well as some natural foods like salmon and other fish. However, research studies indicate that the levels of aluminum are usually very small and deemed to be safe.
What size is one serving of salmon?
According to the National Institute of Health, a healthy portion of salmon is 3 to 4 ounces. The nutritional information for this grilled salmon recipe is based on a 6 ounce serving.
Other foil packet meals for the grill
If you enjoy grilled salmon in foil and want to make other foods the same way, heres a recipe for chicken foil packs or you can make a packet meal of meatloaf on the grill!
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Storage And Reheating Tips

Wrap leftover salmon well and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave. Or enjoy it cold, flaked on a salad or sandwich. Yum!
Cooked salmon can also be wrapped well and frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. Use thawed salmon like you would canned salmon.
Have a lot of leftover salmon? Use it to make a casserole, like this easy cheesy salmon casserole by The Spruce Eats, or try delicious salmon patties by my friend Erin at Well Plated.
Loving salmon?
I love how salmon is so easy to prepare and adapts to such a variety of flavors. Try:
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More Favorite Baked Salmon Recipes
- Soy Ginger Salmon. Flavorful, easy salmon with an incredibly delicious, sticky glaze.
- Whole30 Salmon. This recipe yields the most tender, flaky salmon with a creamy avocado sauce.
- Garlic Salmon. Healthy, simple, and ready in just 30 minutes using one pan.
- Pineapple Glazed Salmon. Perfectly cooked salmon topped with a colorful, fresh pineapple avocado salsa.
- Balsamic Glazed Salmon. This dish looks so impressive, and its ready in just 20 minutes.
Do you bake salmon at home? Id love to hear about some of your favorite ways to flavor it!
Also, if you try this Lemon Pepper Salmon, please leave a comment letting me know how it turned out! Hearing from you keeps me so energized !
To Make The Best Grilled Salmon In Foil Start By Selecting The Best Fish
- Use a fresh salmon fillet, about 3 pounds. Look for salmon that is bright pink in color, smells fresh but not fishy, and, if possible, is wild caught. I prefer wild caught salmon because it has richer flavor, but if you want milder flavor, than farm-raised Atlantic salmon might be the way to go. Atlantic salmon can cook up watery or mushy due to the artificial diet but I have had success with farm raised salmon from Costco, they seem to have higher quality suppliers.
- Do I grill salmon in foil with the skin on or off? For Grilled Salmon in Foil, you can grill the salmon with the skin on or off. The skin doesnt really serve a purpose because it wont get crispy because the fish is being steamed on the grill and we dont need the skin to hold the fish together because the foil does that for us. That being said, sometimes, its just easier to remove the skin after its cooked!
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Tips For Grilled Salmon In Foil:
- When the salmon cooks in the foil packet, it remains a light pink color so this is why we unwrap the foil packet. It allows it to cook with the salmon exposed.
- The salmon is best served immediately as leftover salmon dries out.
- Grilling fish takes very little time so be careful that you do not over cook the salmon.
- You can make this recipe dairy free by using olive oil instead of butter.
- Use a baking sheet to carry the foil packets to the grill. This will prevent any spills. Then when you take it off the grill, place the foil packets on that and carry inside.
Try This Delicious Recipe
Dont be intimidated by cooking seafood on the grill. It is so easy and makes a wonderful dinner.
Since it requires so little time to cook, be careful not to over cook it. You can have this grilled salmon on the table in less time than you can get takeout.
Everyone will enjoy this perfectly seasoned salmon and it is perfect for family dinner. Try it this week for a healthy, quick and delicious meal the entire family will like.
Once you start grilling salmon, you will be hooked. It is fantastic.
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Do I Have To Cook This On The Grill
Nope! Because this dish is wrapped in foil, it really isnt going to have any additional flavor added from the grill. The benefit of cooking this outside is to not have to turn on your oven, to be able to cook when the power goes out , or on the go when you are camping.
That means, cooking it in an oven, or even a single-serving in something like an air fryer is totally acceptable. Ive even heard of people doing these in the Instant Pot.
Grilled Salmon In Foil Is Foolproof It Creates Tender Juicy Salmon Dripping With Buttery Flavor With Only Minutes Of Prep And Almost Zero Cleanup
Grilled Salmon in Foil couldnt be any easier or more delicious, making it a perfect weeknight meal or impressive enough to serve guests. This easy tutorial on How to Grill Salmon in Foil eliminates all of the guesswork and delivers gloriously juicy salmon every time. First, the salmon is marinated in a tangy, sweet and spicyCajun honey mustard marinade, then topped with cubed Danish Creamery Butter,sealed in foil, then grilled until flaky tender in about 15 minutes. As the salmon cooks, the foil seals in extra flavor and moisture and the butter melts, creating a self basting buttery bath,guaranteeing boldly flavored, beautifully moist and tender salmon with slightly smoky undertones no flipping the salmon and no worrying about it sticking! Ive included all the best tips for how to know when salmon is finished cooking, what temperature to cook salmon to, what to serve with salmon, and more!Finish off this effortless grilled salmon dinner with a side of watermelon feta salad and loaded potato salad for the perfect summer meal.
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How Long Does It Take To Grill Salmon
It takes about 20 minutes. I used an instant read meat thermometer to make sure that the salmon was cooked to a safe internal temperature.
It should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees. You will need to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon to ensure accuracy.
Salmon easily flakes when it is fully cooked and turns a pinkish color.
Grilled Salmon In Foil With Garlic Butter

Rachel GurkPosted:
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Take the heat out of the kitchen by making grilled salmon in foil. Enjoy packets of savory juicy salmon slathered in garlicky butter and sprinkled with fresh chives, steamed to perfection on your grill. Hint: you can make it in your oven, too!
I love the idea of cooking outside and grilling gives such great flavor to meats, veggies and even fruit. Burgers, chicken, and steaks are so yummy on the grill. Even plain ol hotdogs taste better on the the grill. Buuuuut
However, sometimes grilled meals can be a two person job, right? Someone needs to be outside tending the grill, and someone needs to be inside making the rest of the meal. If youve ever tried to do both jobs yourself, you know what Im talking about, right?
Go outside, get the grill heating. Go inside to prepare whatever youre grilling. Go outside and clean off the grill. Go inside and fetch whats being grilled. Go outside and put it on the grill. Go inside to prep the rest of dinner. Go outside to check on the grilling. Back inside to check the veggies . Etc. Etc. You get the idea. Youre running around like a crazy person!
When the timer goes off, take the packets off the grill, open, and enjoy. You can turn the grill off right awayno need to burn off any drippings or grease. Just sit down and have a nice leisurely meal featuring this perfectly done, absolutely delicious salmon, buttery, garlicky, and so flavorful.
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More Ways To Cook Salmon
Yes, we adore baked or grilled salmon in foil, but there are also many other healthy salmon recipes that dont use foil.
- Lemon Pepper Salmon. You can also use this lemon pepper seasoning on the grill.
- Whole30 Salmon. A great way to make a salmon fillet.
- Soy Ginger Salmon. This glaze would also work nicely on grilled salmon.
- Salmon Patty Recipe. You can make these with leftover grilled salmon too.
- Salmon Burgers. If you make these on the grill, I suggest using a grill-proof skillet or grill pan. Flip halfway through.
Have you made a simple grilled salmon fillet before?
If you try this recipe or have other salmon grilling tips, Id love to hear from you in the comments.
Frequently Asked Salmon Baking Questions
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 350 degrees F?
15 to 18 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet or 20 to 25 minutes for a 1 3/4-pound side.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 375 degrees F?
12 to 16 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet or 18 to 21 minutes for a 1 3/4 pound side.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 400 degrees F?
11 to 14 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet or 15 to 18 minutes for a 1 3/4-pound side.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 425 degrees F?
9 to 12 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet or 14 to 15 minutes for a 1 3/4-pound side.
How Long Do You Bake Salmon at 450 degrees F?
8 to 10 minutes for a 6-ounce fillet or 11 to 13 minutes for a 1 3/4-pound side.
How Do You Bake Salmon Frozen?
If you are cooking individual frozen salmon portions, place them in a baking dish, cover the dish with foil, then bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 8 to 10 minutes more.
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How Thick A Salmon Should Be
One of the main ways to determine how long you should cook your salmon on the grill is to know the thickness. For thinner cuts, you might want to check it a few minutes before the timer.
Thinner cuts like the ones made with 1-inch thickness usually cook on or before the 10-minute mark. So make sure to check the salmon before the set time or the recipe that you are following.
Thicker salmon cuts usually cook somewhere between 14 to 15 minutes, with some even getting to 18 minutes of cooking. So make sure that you check it, but not too frequently.
Ensure to check the salmon whenever needed but do not frequently open the grill lid as it will quickly lose heat. Just time the cooking process and then check when you think it is done.
Tips For Perfectly Baked Salmon
The one major rule of baking salmon in foil is not to overcook the fish.
- Baking salmon in foil does give a little leeway because the foil locks in moisture, but you want to pull it out when it is almost but not quite done at the thickest part.
- A quick pop under the oven broiler will give you a nice finish on the top of the fish and cook it through the rest of the way.
- If your salmon is almost but not quite cooked and you are worried about overdoing it, you can always remove it from the oven, cover it back up with foil, then let it rest at room temperature for several minutes until it is done to your liking.
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Tips For Grilling Salmon In Foil Packs
- Build your salmon pack on a baking sheet so you can easily carry it to and from the grill!
- Layer your flavors! Add half of of your lemons and herbs on the bottom of your salmon. Top with the rest!
- Salmon should be grilled over medium heat, about 375 to 400 degrees for 14-18 minutes, until almost completely cooked through at the thickest part. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon.
And there you have it! A simple and fool-proof way to grill salmon all summer long. And after you are done with dinner, dont forget dessert!
Swing by the ACME Market bakery and grab their exclusive Signature SELECT Strawberry Shortcake! You cant go wrong with a fresh Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.
How Do I Pick A Good Piece Of Salmon
- Go to a grocery with a fresh seafood area and ask the monger to assist you in picking out the best piece of salmon. Ask what qualities you should look for so that the fishmonger can point out the special aspects to you directly.
- Mainly, youll want to look for the vibrant pink red color with little to no gray areas on the bottom.
- Secondly, you dont want it to have a LOUD fishy smell.
- For this recipe, pick a piece that is evenly 1inch . Ask for a center cut.
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Why Use Danish Creamery Butter
My husband and I both LOVE Danish Creamery Butter! Butter is all about flavor and luxurious creaminess and no one does that better than Danish Creamery you can literally taste the velvety, rich difference!
Danish Creamery butter is made with high quality cream from pasture-raised cows since 1895. Their European Style Butter boasts an 85% butterfat making it a dream in sauces, baking, or even just to spread on toast.
Add Danish Creamery Butter to this grilled salmon in foil recipe and instantly elevate your cooking!
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The Best Salmon For Grilling

Whether youre working with wild-caught or quality, responsibly raised fish, the cut of salmon will make a difference. Here is what I look for grilling:
- Center-cut salmon fillet: The center-cut part of the fish t is thicker and more uniform so it will cook more evenly
- Skin-on salmon: Particularly if youre cooking it directly on the grill, it’s a good idea to use skin-on fish fillets. The skin holds the salmon together as it cooks over dry heat, and it also imparts good flavor as it releases fat that keeps the fish moist. But if you only have skinless salmon fillet, I recommend grilling the fish in foil instead.
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How To Freeze Grilled Salmon
You can freeze leftover salmon for up to 3 months. To freeze, place individual salmon fillets in a freezer size bag along with any extra sauce, squeeze out excess air to preserve freezer burn, label and freeze. I love the option of pulling out individual salmon fillets and have added this particular salmon recipe to scrambled eggs and salad for the win!
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What To Serve With Lemon Pepper Salmon Sides Suggestions
- Asparagus. The ULTIMATE lemon pepper salmon side dish! This Bake Asparagus would be delicious here.
- Vegetables. For a fresh, healthy side dish, try pairing the lemon pepper salmon with a sautéed or roasted vegetable. Sautéed Cabbage, Sautéed Zucchini, Roasted Zucchini, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts would all be excellent.
- Rice. Salmon pairs perfectly with rice. Try it with this Lemon Rice for something easy and elevated.
- Pasta. A hearty side option for when you need a more filling meal. This Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese or Avocado Pasta would be SO good!
- Salad. Try a salad for a cool side dish option. I love pairing lemon pepper salmon with this Anytime Arugula Salad or this Spinach Strawberry Salad.
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