Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (2024)

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Grilled salmon in foil takes about 20 minutes for a flavor packed meal. The salmon is tender and perfectly seasoned.

Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (1)

Salmon is one of my favorite things seafood recipes to eat and this grilled recipe does not disappoint. There isn’t any cleanup thinks to the foil and it turns out perfectly.

The salmon is coated with seasoned garlic butter and it is so amazing. You must also check out this Salmon Recipe – Grilled Salmon Tacos Recipe.

Table of Contents

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • Variations Ideas
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Expert Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • How long does it take to Grill Salmon
  • Ways to Leftover Salmon
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Grilled Seafood Recipes
  • Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Dinner is so fast and easy that you won’t even be tempted to get take out. I think you are going to love this fantastic recipe. The simple ingredients makes recipe always on the menu.

We love to use this flaky salmon with many different recipes. We have even made a pasta salad for a light and refreshing meal idea.

Ingredients

Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (2)
  • Salmon Filets (skin on or skin off)
  • Bunch of Fresh Dill
  • Lemon, sliced
  • Butter, melted
  • Minced Garlic
  • Salt and Black Pepper

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

Feel free to try other seasonings instead of lemon and herbs. It is so easy to modify this recipe to try new things.

  • Lime Juice and Cilantro. Substitute this for lemon and dill for a delicious change in flavor.
  • Brown Sugar and butter. Melt ½ cup butter and combine with ½ cup brown sugar. Brush this mixture on the salmon and grill as normal.
  • Lemon Pepper. Coat the fish in olive oil and sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning on top.
  • BBQ Salmon – You can easily add BBQ sauce to the salmon for added flavor.
  • Salmon Marinade – Make a marinade with simple spices and add in honey and mustard for a sweet and savory flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs – Feel free to change or add fresh herbs or additional spices for a delicious variation. Add ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, oregano or cumin for amazing taste.
  • Vegetables – You can even add vegetables to the foil pack for a complete meal idea. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans are always a great option.

Step by Step Instructions

  • Step 1 – Prepare the salmon. Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes on a baking sheet. Preheat your grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F).
  • Step 2 – Spray the foil with cooking spray. Get a large piece of foil and spray the foil with a non-stick cooking spray. You can also use olive oil.
  • Step 3 – Place Salmon – Place half of the dill in lemon slices on the bottom of the foil and place the salmon filets on top with tongs. Make sure to put the salmon skin side down if using fillets with skin.
Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (3)
  • Step 4 – Add the seasonings. Then drizzle the melted butter on top of the salmon fillet and top with more lemon slices and fresh dill. Then season the top of the filets with the minced garlic, salt and pepper. The garlic butter is so delicious with this this grilled salmon recipe.
  • Step 5 – Enclose the salmon. Wrap the piece of foil around the salmon filets and seal it. Make sure it’s fully enclosed.
  • Step 6 – Grill the salmon. Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates. Cover the grill and cook for 14 to 18 minutes.
  • Step 7 – Unwrap the salmon. Then carefully unwrap the salmon on the grill so the top of the salmon is exposed. Cover the grill again and cook for 3-5 minutes until the top of the color is a darker pink color. Make sure that the salmon has a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
  • Step 8 – Remove from the grill. Carefully remove the foil packet from the grill and then the salmon is ready to serve and enjoy! Let it rest a couple of minutes and then serve right away.

Expert Tips

  • 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.

Serving Suggestions

  • Easy Grilled Broccoli – The texture of broccoli once grilled is so delicious. This is a must try with grilled salmon.
  • Parmesan Grilled Zucchini– With a few simple ingredients, this come together fast.
  • Foil Pack Grilled Potatoes– Clean up is so easy with these foil pack potatoes.
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob– The flavor of the grill makes corn on the cob even better.

Any of these would make a wonderful side dish to serve with grilled salmon. You will love having everything for a great meal on the grill. We have even added brown rice or quinoa for delicious complete meal idea.

This will keep the kitchen cool and cleanup a breeze. Dinner is so easy with these simple side dishes to complete the meal.

Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (4)

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.

Ways to Leftover Salmon

  • Salad. Grilled salmon leftovers is delicious served with a salad for a quick lunch.
  • Tacos. Cut the salmon into small bite size pieces and enjoy as a taco. Add your favorite toppings for an easy meal.
  • Wraps. Enjoy a healthy lunch or dinner with leftover salmon and salad greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

You can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Leftover salmon is delicious and is easy for meal prep.

How to Reheat

Be careful reheating and only cook until heated through. You do not want to dry the salmon out. We like to reheat in the oven on a baking dish, but you can also reheat in the microwave.

Should you use salmon with skin on or off?

Either is fine to use in this recipe. It is very easy to remove skin from salmon once cooked.
If you are concerned with the salmon drying out, fillets with skin often retain more moisture. It also helps to prevent overcooking.

Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (5)

More Grilled Seafood Recipes

  • Grilled shrimp foil packet
  • Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe
  • Easy Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
  • The Best Grilled tilapia Recipe

We love to hear from you. If you make this Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (6)

Review

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Grilled Salmon in Foil

5 from 7 votes

Grilled salmon in foil takes about 20 minutes for a flavor packed meal. The salmon is tender and perfectly seasoned.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 17 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings 4

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Calories 302

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Salmon Filets skin on or skin off
  • 1 small Bunch of Fresh Dill
  • 1 Lemon sliced
  • 2 Tbsp Butter melted
  • 2 tsp Minced Garlic
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and preheat your grill over medium high heat (approximately 400 degrees F).

  • Get a large piece of heavy duty foil and spray the foil with a non-stick cooking spray. Place half of the dill in lemon slices on the bottom of the foil and place the salmon filets on top.

  • Then drizzle the melted butter on top of the salmon filets and top with more lemon slices and fresh dill. Then season the top of the filets with the minced garlic, salt and pepper.

  • Wrap the foil around the salmon filets and seal it. Make sure it’s fully enclosed.

  • Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates. Cover the grill and cook for 14-18 minutes.

  • Then carefully unwrap the salmon so the top of the salmon is exposed. Cover the grill again and cook for 3-5 minutes until the top of the color is a darker pink color. Make sure that the salmon has a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

  • Carefully remove the foil packet from the grill and then the salmon is ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

*I used an instant read meat thermometer to make sure that the salmon was cooked to a safe internal temperature.

*When the salmon cooks in the foil packet, it remains a light pink color so this is why we unwrap the foil packet and allow it to cook with the salmon exposed.

*The salmon is best served immediately as leftover salmon dries out. You can refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 302kcal, Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 34g, Fat 17g, Saturated Fat 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 5g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 109mg, Sodium 411mg, Potassium 880mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 250IU, Vitamin C 15mg, Calcium 33mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (15)

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I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long to grill salmon on foil? ›

Seal the Foil Packet and GRILL!
  1. A large piece of salmon should be grilled over medium heat, about 375 to 400 degrees F. ...
  2. Once you close the grill lid, the salmon should cook for 14-18 minutes, until almost completely cooked through at the thickest part.
May 5, 2024

Is it better to cook salmon in foil or not? ›

Cooking salmon in foil just makes things easier. It creates a buttery, fresh, evenly cooked fish without having to be as precise. Moisture is preserved while flavor is exploded! Your fish won't have any char marks either!

How long does salmon take on the grill? ›

Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grill and cover. Cook, undisturbed, until the salmon just starts to release its fat (opaque mayonnaise-like stuff), or until it reaches 145 F, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes for most 1-inch-thick fillets. Allow another 5 to 10 minutes for each extra inch of thickness.

Do I flip salmon on the grill? ›

Lay the salmon, skin side down, directly on the grill and cook with the lid open until the flesh lightens in color, Gently insert the tip of a spatula under the edge of the salmon. If it feels stuck, give it another minute. Otherwise, flip to the skinless side.

What to season salmon with? ›

Salmon does not need much seasoning to be flavorful. You can season it with just salt and black pepper or with a combination of lemon juice, fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, butter, minced garlic, and any other flavors you desire. 3. Dry the salmon to ensure crispy skin.

How do you keep salmon from sticking to foil? ›

Brush one side with olive oil or melted butter. This will help prevent sticking. Place your salmon fillet on one side of the foil. Brush with olive oil or melted butter.

Is it better to cook salmon in oven or grill? ›

Salmon fillets, steaks and even whole fish are excellent cooked over fire, particularly on a charcoal grill. Steaks are easiest to handle and turn on the grill. Fillets are best grilled with the skin on (cook them skin side down first).

Should salmon be cooked skin up or down first? ›

Salmon fillets are best cooked starting with the skin-side down. This prevents over-browning the meat, which can make it dry and pretty unappealing to look at on the plate. "When pan-frying or grilling, cook salmon fillets skin-side down for 5-7 minutes, flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes," says Norton.

Is it better to pan fry or grill salmon? ›

Grilling salmon is considered a healthier alternative to frying or deep-frying because it requires less oil. The excess fat in salmon drips away during grilling, reducing the overall calorie content. Tips for grilling salmon: Grill at medium-high heat, between 375 and 400 degrees F.

Should salmon be room temp before grilling? ›

For even cooking, you'll want to let the salmon come to room temperature for 20 minutes before grilling. Set the salmon on a paper towel-lined pan and pat dry. A dry surface speeds up the searing process and prevents sticking. If it's marinated, blot off as much marinade as possible before grilling.

How can you tell when grilled salmon is done? ›

How do you know when your salmon is done on the grill? Cooked salmon is ready when it flakes easily at the touch of a fork. It should register an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part.

Do you grill salmon direct or indirect? ›

You can also grill salmon fillets and steaks directly on a greased grill rack. Direct grilling: If you're grilling salmon on a charcoal or gas grill over direct heat, place the fish on the grill rack directly over medium heat (350°F to 375°F).

Should you rinse salmon before grilling? ›

Salmon-washers might also believe that rinsing the seafood first can help erase any fishy taste or smell and improve the fish's texture. However, both the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advise that you shouldn't wash any fresh seafood before cooking it.

Do you close lid when grilling salmon? ›

Close the lid and let the salmon cook for 3-4 minutes. Before flipping, check to see if the salmon is sticking to the grates. If it is sticking, then it needs to cook a little longer. Check back in another minute.

How do you keep salmon from sticking to the grill? ›

Place a layer of lemon slices underneath the salmon for a bright flavor. The lemon slices also create a barrier between the grill and the salmon so it doesn't stick to the grill grates.

Should you grill fish on foil? ›

There are many benefits for using foil to grill up your favourite fish fillets. It's easy: Have no fear of your prized perch sticking to hot grill grates. Take the gamble out of grilling fish by making a foil basket instead. It's quick: The foil conducts heat and helps to steam fish in just minutes.

What temperature should salmon be cooked at? ›

You'll be a professional in no time! Use a food thermometer: The most accurate way to determine if salmon is cooked to the correct temperature is to use a food thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fish and make sure it reads at least 145°F (63°C).

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