Our simple baked salmon is a foolproof weeknight dinner.

Because of how fast salmon cooks, its a great option for a weeknight meal.

Not only does it look impressive, but its deceptively simple.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with herbs and lemon.

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

The key to cooking a whole side of salmon is using a foil packet!

In the grocery store, the most common salmon youll find is farm-raised Atlantic salmon.

The other category you’re likely to see is Pacific salmon.

A honey and garlic butter roasted salmon topped with herbs and resting on foil

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

While most Pacific salmon on the market is wild, some may be farmed as well.

There are a number ofdifferences between farm-raised and wild salmon.

The first thing youll notice is the color.

Overhead of a garlic butter roasted salmon on foil with herbs and lemon

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

The nutrition profiles are also different, most notably that wild salmon has a lower fat content.

This leads to differences in cooking.

Lastly, or perhaps the first thing youll see is the difference in price.

An overhead of a cut of garlic butter roasted salmon

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Wild salmon is typically much more expensive than farm-raised.

you’re free to choose farm-raised or wild for this recipe, both will work.

And, if all you have access to is frozen salmon, youll still be good to go.

A foil lined baking sheet to make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon.

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

In fact, most fresh salmon at the supermarket has been previously frozen right off the boat.

Just be sure it was handled properly by checking for any visible ice crystals or signs of freezer burn.

For this recipe, youll want to use skinless salmon.

A raw salmon on a foil lined baking sheet

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Arguably the best thing about salmon skin is getting it nice and crispy.

Then, run your finger along the centerline to feel for any bones.

If you find any use fish tweezers or your fingertips to firmly and slowly pull it out.

Seasoning salmon on a foil lined baking sheet with salt and peper

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

The best temperature for this is 375F.

Not to mention, cooking in a foil packet makes cleanup a breeze.

Overcooked salmon is hard and dry and should be avoided at all costs!

Unbaked salmon on a foil lined baking sheet sprinkled with salt and pepper

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

This is a protein found in the salmon called albumin.

Starches likerice,couscousorquinoawould be great for soaking up the buttery juices of the salmon.

A lighter side like asaladwould also be a delicious complement.

Melted butter being poured on an unbaked salmon on a baking sheet

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Ways to Use Leftover Salmon

Leftover salmon will keep 3-4 days in the fridge.

If you want to remix it, trysalmon patties, stirring it intopasta, or scrambling it with eggs!

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Foil Packet Baked Salmon baked and coated with melted garlic butter.

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Place the salmon on the prepared pan and pat both sides dry with a paper towel.

Feel the flesh for any bones and remove them with fish tweezers or your fingers.

Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.

Making a foil packet to bake Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon.

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, honey, and lemon juice.

Then, tuck each end under to end the sides.

If youre using wild-caught salmon, check for doneness beginning at 10 minutes.

Pinching the ends closed of a foil packet to bake Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon.

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Set the oven to broil on high.

If you have an electric stove, return the salmon to the oven, still on the middle rack.

Broil the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes.

A foil packet with a salmon inside resting on a baking sheet

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Youll see it turn just slightly golden with some charred spots but be sure not to burn the garlic.

Let the salmon rest for about 5 minutes.

Garnish with chopped herbs.

Salmon in foil that has been pulled out of the oven and is resting on a baking sheet

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Transfer to a serving platter or serve directly from the pan!

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Salmon out of the oven and broiled as it rests on a baking sheet

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin

Sprinkling herbs on Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon.

Simply Recipes / Kalisa Marie Martin