If you’re looking to brighten up your dinnertime and impress even the pickiest eaters, let me introduce you to Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil. This recipe is not just a breeze to put together, but it transforms everyday salmon into a vibrant, juicy showstopper. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of zesty lime, buttery honey, a little garlicky heat, and a flurry of fresh cilantro. Wrapped neatly in foil, the salmon stays moist from start to finish, and the cleanup is as easy as tossing the foil away. Once you make this dish, it’ll be hard to resist adding it to your weekly rotation!

Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of staple ingredients to create truly memorable flavors here. Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil relies on fresh, bold flavors and a few pantry favorites that really make the salmon sing. Each ingredient plays a big part, whether it’s infusing juiciness, a burst of citrus, or a little hit of sweetness.

Salmon fillet (1½ pounds): Go for fresh, good quality salmon—it’ll flake perfectly and stay incredibly moist when wrapped in foil.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps all those delicious flavors coat every inch of the fish.
Honey (3 tablespoons): Balances the tangy lime and savory garlic with a natural sweetness and helps create a beautifully caramelized finish.
Fresh lime juice (3 tablespoons): Brings a fresh, lively zing that wakes up every bite.
Lime zest (1 teaspoon): Packs an extra punch of citrus flavor—you’ll really notice the difference.
Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Bold, aromatic, and essential for that irresistible honey garlic hallmark.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Give your salmon a gentle hint of heat—totally customizable to your taste.
Salt and pepper to taste: These bring out all the other flavors, so don’t skip them!
Fresh cilantro, chopped (¼ cup): This adds a bright green pop and a whole new depth of freshness right before serving.
Lime wedges: Squeeze over each serving for the ultimate tangy kick.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then line a baking sheet with sturdy foil. I like to give the foil a quick brush of olive oil or a spritz of nonstick spray—this extra step guarantees that the honey lime glaze won’t stick, and removing the salmon later will be a breeze.

Step 2: Lay Out the Salmon

Arrange your salmon fillet right in the center of the prepared foil. If it’s skin-on, place the skin side down. Keeping it centered makes folding the foil into a packet super simple later, and ensures every bit gets enveloped in that gorgeous steam.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, fresh lime juice, fragrant lime zest, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is the backbone of Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil—the honey ties everything together and the lime gives it that unmistakable brightness.

Step 4: Glaze the Salmon

Pour the marinade right over the salmon, using the back of a spoon or a brush to spread it evenly from end to end. Don’t be shy—make sure every inch gets coated, and let some of that flavorful glaze pool around the edges too.

Step 5: Seal the Foil Packet

Gently fold the sides of the foil up and over the salmon, closing the packet but not wrapping it too tightly—you want a little room inside so the steam can swirl around. This method locks in moisture and ensures your Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil stays supremely tender.

Step 6: Bake, Then Broil

Slide your foil packet onto the baking sheet and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, adjusting the time slightly depending on the thickness of your fillet. Carefully open up the foil, watch out for steam, and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes to give the top a beautiful caramelized glaze.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the salmon liberally with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with juicy lime wedges on the side. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil

Garnishes

After removing your Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil from the oven, don’t skip the finishing touches. A shower of vibrant chopped fresh cilantro provides color and a cool, herbal note, while lime wedges on the side let everyone squeeze extra acidity to their liking. If you love a little heat, a few extra red pepper flakes on top won’t go amiss!

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, herby quinoa, or a pile of roasted vegetables—think asparagus, broccoli, or colorful bell peppers. The savory-sweet flavors in the fish can also play well with a crisp green salad dressed simply in olive oil and lime, making for a light-yet-satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun dinner party plating, try flaking the Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil into tacos with avocado, slaw, and extra lime. Or serve the whole fillet, family-style, straight from the foil for a dramatic reveal at the table—it’s interactive and lets everyone dig in together. For leftovers, toss salmon chunks into a grain bowl or chilled pasta salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the salmon cool to room temperature before transferring, so it stays fresh and flavorful—you can even keep some of that extra sauce for drizzling over salads or wraps.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap cooled portions tightly in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The salmon keeps beautifully frozen for up to two months, making it a superb meal prep option. Just remember to label so you don’t lose track of those tasty treasures!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the salmon gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or pop it into a covered skillet with a splash of water to retain moisture. The microwave works in a pinch, but use a lower setting and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the salmon from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just thaw the salmon thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before marinating. This helps the glaze stick and ensures the fish cooks evenly.

What if I don’t like cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, swap it for fresh parsley or even a little chopped chive. The dish will still be delicious and packed with bright flavor.

Is Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil good for meal prep?

Yes! It’s excellent for make-ahead lunches or dinners. Portion out the salmon with some rice or roasted veggies, and you’ll have flavorful, satisfying meals ready to go for several days.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

You sure can! Just prepare the foil packet as described and place it on a preheated grill over medium heat. Grill for about 15–18 minutes, check for doneness, and finish with a quick broil if possible for that caramelized touch.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Overcooked salmon dries out quickly, so keep an eye on it toward the end!

Final Thoughts

Give this Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil a try, and you’ll discover not just how tasty, but how downright fun and easy it is to make a crowd-pleasing meal. This is one recipe I return to again and again—simple enough for a weeknight, but special enough for any table. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cilantro Lime Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil recipe is a delicious and simple way to prepare salmon with a flavorful twist. The combination of honey, lime, garlic, and cilantro creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory, while baking in foil helps lock in moisture and flavor. A perfect dish for a quick and healthy dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

1½ pounds salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)

Marinade:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

Serving:

Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease it.
Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon on the foil, skin-side down if applicable.
Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Coat the salmon: Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Seal and bake: Fold the foil over the salmon to create a packet. Bake for 15–18 minutes.
Broil: Open the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top caramelizes slightly.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with cilantro, serve with lime wedges, and enjoy!

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the salmon in the honey lime mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
Pair with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftover salmon can be used in salads, wraps, or tacos.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American