If you’re looking for a fresh, zesty, and absolutely irresistible seafood dish, look no further than Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil. This recipe brings together succulent salmon, a bright citrusy punch from lime, a touch of sweetness from honey, and the irresistible aroma of garlic and cilantro—all wrapped up in a tidy foil packet for easy cooking and cleanup. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a little celebration, whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil is in its simplicity—each ingredient shines and plays a special role in making this dish burst with flavor. From the rich, tender salmon to the vibrant pops of lime and cilantro, every element is essential to achieving that perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and herbaceous.
- Salmon Fillet (1.5 pounds): Choose a fresh, center-cut fillet—skin-on or skinless—for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps lock in moisture, keeping the salmon perfectly succulent.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Lends a touch of natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Packs in aromatic, savory depth that pairs so well with both lime and honey.
- Lime (juice and zest of 1): Provides bright acidity and a citrusy zing that lightens up the dish.
- Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings a fresh, herbaceous pop of color and flavor right at the end.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and ensures the seasoning is spot-on.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- Lime slices & extra cilantro for garnish (optional): For a beautiful finishing touch and even more burst of freshness.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Foil
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and give it a light brush of olive oil or a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. This not only keeps the salmon from sticking but also makes cleanup a total breeze. The foil is key for locking in all those gorgeous flavors and juices as your salmon cooks.
Step 2: Place the Salmon
Lay your salmon fillet right in the center of the prepared foil, skin-side down if it has skin. Make sure the fish is patted dry with a paper towel first—this helps the glaze cling to every delicious inch and keeps the texture just right.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, minced garlic, fresh lime juice and zest, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the heart of Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil, creating that irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Pour it evenly over the salmon, using a spoon to make sure every bite is well-coated.
Step 4: Add Cilantro and Seal
Sprinkle the chopped cilantro generously over the top of the glazed salmon. Next, fold the sides of the foil up and over the fish to create a snug packet. This envelops the salmon in all the wonderful flavors as it bakes, resulting in perfectly moist and flaky fish.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Place the foil packet onto your baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, adjusting for the thickness of your fillet. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. For an extra touch of caramelized goodness, open the foil and broil the salmon for 2–3 minutes. This step gives the top a lovely golden finish and intensifies the honey garlic glaze.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Carefully transfer the salmon to a serving platter, garnish with extra cilantro and fresh lime slices if you like, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. Every bite of this Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil is pure delight!
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few thin lime slices instantly brighten up the finished dish, adding both color and a refreshing pop of flavor. If you want to take it up a notch, try a light dusting of chili flakes or even a touch of flaky sea salt for a little sparkle and crunch.
Side Dishes
Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil pairs beautifully with so many sides. Fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or roasted vegetables soak up the extra sauce perfectly. For an even lighter option, a crisp green salad tossed with avocado and cherry tomatoes is a wonderful complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual meal, serve the salmon straight from the foil at the table for a fun, rustic vibe. If you’re hosting, plate individual portions on a bed of rice and top with extra cilantro and lime. You can even flake leftovers into tacos or salads for a second-day twist that’s just as delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making it just as tasty the next day—perfect for an easy lunch or light dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze the salmon, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to a month. To preserve the fresh flavor, avoid freezing the garnishes and add them fresh after reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the salmon gently in a low oven (about 300°F) covered in foil until warmed through, about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for a quick meal, but be careful not to overcook and dry out the fish.
FAQs
Can I make Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil with frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon fully and pat it dry before starting. This helps the glaze stick and ensures the fish cooks evenly and stays tender.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?
If you’re out of fresh cilantro, you can substitute with flat-leaf parsley for a mild, herby flavor, or simply leave it out—the salmon will still be packed with plenty of flavor from the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Yes! Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil works wonderfully on the grill. Just place the sealed foil packet over medium heat and cook for the same amount of time as you would in the oven, checking for doneness.
Can I prepare the foil packets ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the foil packets with the glaze and cilantro, then refrigerate for up to 6 hours before baking. This even gives the flavors more time to mingle and makes dinnertime a breeze!
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked, moist fish.
Final Thoughts
Give Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil a try and you’ll see just how easy and rewarding it is to make a restaurant-worthy meal at home. The bold flavors, vibrant colors, and fuss-free cleanup are sure to put this recipe on repeat in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil is a quick and healthy Mexican-inspired main course featuring tender salmon fillets glazed with a zesty mixture of honey, garlic, lime, and fresh cilantro. Baked in foil to lock in moisture and flavor, this dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Lime slices
- Extra fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillet in the center of the foil, skin-side down if you are using a skin-on fillet to keep the fish moist during baking.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, minced garlic, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and black pepper until well combined for a flavorful glaze.
- Apply Sauce and Cilantro: Pour the sauce evenly over the salmon, then sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top to infuse it with fresh herb notes.
- Seal the Packet: Fold the sides of the foil up and over the salmon creating a sealed packet that traps steam and locks in flavors while baking.
- Bake: Place the foil packet on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes depending on thickness, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Broil (Optional): Open the foil carefully and place the salmon under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top for additional sweetness and texture, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and lime slices if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For bolder flavors, marinate the salmon in the honey garlic lime sauce for 15–30 minutes before baking.
- This recipe can also be cooked on the grill: place the foil packet over medium heat and cook for the same duration as baking.
- Serve alongside rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a nutritious and balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
