Maple Glazed Salmon Foil Packets
- Sweet and savory maple glazed salmon cooked in foil packets for perfectly moist, flaky fish every time.
- A 20-minute dinner that looks and tastes like it took hours.
- The ideal balance of maple sweetness and savory garlic with foolproof cooking method.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), preferably skin-on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 4 large pieces of aluminum foil (about 12×12 inches each)
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs like dill, parsley or chives (optional)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Lay out four large pieces of aluminum foil on your counter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add red pepper flakes and ground ginger if using.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place each fillet in the center of a foil piece, skin-side down if using skin-on salmon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat each salmon fillet with about half of the maple glaze, reserving the remaining glaze.
- If using, arrange lemon slices, red onion rings, or herbs around or on top of the salmon fillets.
- Fold the foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet, leaving some air space above the salmon. Fold and crimp the edges tightly to prevent leaks.
- Place the foil packets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness of your fillets.
- Carefully open one packet (watch for hot steam) and check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- If desired, open the packets, brush with remaining glaze, and return to the oven uncovered for 1-2 minutes to caramelize the top.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then carefully transfer to plates. Open packets carefully and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use center-cut salmon fillets of even thickness.
- Wild-caught salmon typically has a richer flavor but can be leaner than farm-raised.
- Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 382
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 420
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 94
Keywords: maple glazed salmon foil, maple salmon dinner, glazed salmon recipe, salmon foil bake, easy salmon dinner