These Easy Salmon Foil Packets are a fun way to cook fish! They come with juicy pineapple and zesty lemon butter, making every bite bright and tasty.
Plus, cleanup is super easy! Just toss the foil away, and you’re done. I love serving these with rice or a fresh salad for a quick weeknight dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a substitute or have dietary preferences, you can use trout or another fatty fish like mackerel. For those avoiding fish, consider chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Pineapple: Fresh pineapple adds a tropical sweetness to the dish. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple in juice or even mango could work nicely. Just remember to drain any excess liquid.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter to control the amount of salt. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Both will give you a nice richness.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and chives enhance the flavor beautifully. If you don’t have these on hand, you can use dried herbs, but remember to use less as they are more potent. Parsley or cilantro would be good alternatives too!
What’s the Best Way to Seal Foil Packets?
Sealing the foil packets correctly is key to keeping the salmon moist and cooking everything evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the salmon and toppings in the center of the foil.
- Fold the long sides of the foil over the fish first, pinching them together to seal.
- Then fold the short ends up and over, making sure there are no gaps.
- Make sure the packets are tight but leave some space inside for steam to circulate.
By sealing the packets well, you trap all the delicious flavors and moisture, resulting in perfectly cooked salmon!
Easy Salmon Foil Packets with Pineapple Lemon Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Packets:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon or lime slices, for garnish
- Optional: baby potatoes and green beans for roasting alongside
- Aluminum foil sheets (enough to wrap each salmon fillet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 18-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to finish for a delicious and healthy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Foil:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, tear off 4 large sheets of aluminum foil—enough to wrap each salmon fillet comfortably.
2. Make Pineapple Lemon Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped pineapple, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and chopped chives. Mix everything together until it’s well-blended. Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
3. Prepare Salmon Fillets:
Lay each salmon fillet in the center of its own foil sheet. Give a light seasoning of salt and pepper on both sides of the fillets to bring out their natural flavors.
4. Top with Pineapple Lemon Butter:
Scoop the pineapple lemon butter mixture and spread it generously over the top of each salmon fillet. Make sure to cover them well with that scrumptious buttery goodness!
5. Add Garnishes and Optional Sides:
Add a few slices of lemon or lime on top of the fish for an extra burst of flavor. If you’d like a complete meal, you can also place some baby potatoes and green beans around the salmon inside the foil packet.
6. Seal Foil Packets:
Gently fold the sides of the foil over the salmon, pinching to create tightly sealed packets. This will help contain all the delicious juices while it cooks.
7. Bake:
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when you poke it with a fork.
8. Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully take the foil packets out of the oven (be cautious of the steam). Open each one and serve hot, drizzling the melted pineapple lemon butter over the fillets. You can also enjoy it with your choice of sides for a fulfilling meal!
These easy salmon foil packets are not only fun to prepare, but they also keep the fish moist and loaded with bright, refreshing flavors. Plus, the easy cleanup makes this dish a winner for any night of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Pineapple Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple works well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in the foil packets, which could make the salmon soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs? Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are unavailable! Just use about one-third of the amount suggested for fresh herbs since dried herbs have a stronger flavor. For this recipe, about 1 teaspoon of dried dill and 1 teaspoon of dried chives would be sufficient.
How Do I Know When the Salmon Is Cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; it’s the best way to ensure perfect doneness!
Can I Make These Packets Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the foil packets a few hours in advance! Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights!
