There’s something so satisfying about wrapping up your dinner in foil, popping it in the oven, and pulling out a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed meal with almost zero mess. This Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil hits all the right notes: flaky salmon, buttery garlic, herby freshness, and a crispy layer of golden Parmesan on top.
The foil does all the magic—it keeps the salmon moist and tender while locking in the bold, savory flavors of garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and nutty Parmesan. And the best part? It’s ready in about 25 minutes. Add a salad or roasted veggies on the side, and you’ve got a healthy, delicious, and seriously impressive dinner on the table.
This has become one of my go-to salmon recipes when I want something that feels fresh and flavorful but doesn’t take a ton of effort. It always turns out perfectly cooked, never dry, and the foil packet makes cleanup almost too easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan (or foil) wonder: Minimal cleanup—no sheet pans to scrub.
- Moist, flaky salmon every time: The foil locks in moisture so it’s never dry.
- Packed with flavor: Garlic, lemon, fresh herbs, and Parmesan make this anything but boring.
- Quick and easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and satisfying: High in protein, rich in omega-3s, and low in carbs.
- Halal-friendly: No wine or pork ingredients—just wholesome, flavorful goodness.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 330
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 20g
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 lbs salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless, your choice)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: lemon slices for topping
Ingredient Notes:
- Salmon: Fresh or thawed fillets work best. Try to use center-cut for even thickness.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated gives the best melt and flavor.
- Italian seasoning: You can use a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and basil if you don’t have a blend.
- Butter: Adds richness, but you can sub with olive oil for a lighter option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides to fold over and seal.
2. Prepare the garlic herb butter
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
3. Assemble the foil packet
- Place the salmon fillet in the center of the foil, skin-side down if using skin-on.
- Pour the garlic herb mixture evenly over the top of the salmon. Use a spoon or brush to spread it out.
- Optional: Lay a few lemon slices over the top for extra brightness.
4. Seal and bake
- Fold the sides of the foil up and over the salmon to seal into a packet. Don’t wrap it too tightly—leave a little room for steam to circulate.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. A thick center-cut piece may need closer to 20 minutes.
Internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked salmon.
5. Broil for a golden top (optional)
- Carefully open the foil and switch the oven to broil.
- Broil the salmon for 2–3 minutes until the Parmesan topping is golden and slightly crispy. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
6. Serve and enjoy
- Garnish with more parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.
- Slice into portions and serve right out of the foil or transfer to a serving platter.
How to Serve
This salmon is super versatile and pairs beautifully with:
- Roasted or steamed vegetables: Think asparagus, green beans, or broccoli.
- Grains: Fluffy rice, couscous, or quinoa soak up that garlicky butter beautifully.
- Salads: A crisp arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Pasta: Toss with angel hair and a drizzle of olive oil for a simple but elegant meal.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook: Salmon continues to cook after you pull it from the oven. Remove it as soon as it’s opaque and flakes easily.
- Use parchment + foil: For an easy cleanup and to avoid sticking, place parchment under the salmon before wrapping in foil.
- Customize the herbs: Fresh dill, chives, or basil all pair beautifully with salmon.
- Add veggies to the packet: Thin slices of zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or spinach can cook right alongside the salmon.
- Use leftovers wisely: Leftover salmon is great in salads, wraps, or even scrambled eggs the next day.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the garlic butter.
- Mediterranean twist: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta instead of Parmesan.
- Lemon pepper: Skip the herbs and Parmesan—just use lemon juice, black pepper, and garlic.
- Honey garlic: Swap Parmesan and herbs for a honey-garlic butter with a splash of soy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently warm in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave—it can dry out the salmon.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Special Equipment
- Heavy-duty foil or parchment + foil: For making the foil packet.
- Baking sheet: Supports the foil packet and catches any drips.
- Fish spatula (optional): Helpful for lifting and serving delicate salmon fillets.
- Instant-read thermometer: To check doneness without guesswork.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—just thaw completely in the fridge overnight and pat dry before seasoning.
What if I don’t have foil?
You can use parchment paper to make a pouch (en papillote) or bake uncovered, but keep an eye on moisture levels.
Is this recipe halal?
Yes! It contains no alcohol or pork—just halal-friendly salmon, herbs, and Parmesan (check for halal-certified cheese if needed).
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Can I cook it on the grill?
Absolutely. Wrap the foil packet tightly and grill over medium heat for 12–15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Baked Parmesan Garlic Herb Salmon in Foil is proof that simple ingredients and easy prep can still result in a show-stopping meal. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes—what more could you ask for? Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a beautiful dinner, this recipe is a total win.
Try it, tweak it, and make it yours! And if you share your version online, tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations.
