Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil Recipe (2024)

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Cilantro lime salmon in foil may be the easiest salmon dinner you’ve ever cooked. From prep to cleanup you’re looking at a quick 30 minutes all-in. Also, see my blackened salmon with mango salsa recipe and cilantro lime chicken thighs! Steelhead trout is another fish that bakes up beautifully in a foil packet.

Flavors/Ingredients

Baked Salmon with cilantro and lime is, of course, a Mexican-inspired combo of flavors. I was intrigued by a similar salmon recipe I came across that used lime and chopped jalapeños (which I still need to try by the way).

I LOVE spicy BUT… I thought cilantro may be more of a crowd-pleaser for a more mild and tangy dish. Cilantro and lime is a common combo I cook with all the time in fish tacos etc., but I never thought to try it on the more pronounced salmon flavor.

The fresh lime juice, garlic, honey, cilantro, and cumin all come together to deliver a really zesty dish with just a pinch of sweetness from the honey.

How to Cook Salmon in Foil

If you’ve never cooked salmon in foil, today is the day to start. The foil seals the flavors and juices in and keeps whatever sauce or rub you’re using in close contact with the salmon while it cooks. However, the best part is the 30-second cleanup.

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper and place on a large piece of greased tin foil. Fold up all four sides of the foil slightly to prevent the sauce from spilling out. Pour your marinade or sauce over the salmon.
2. Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon covering completely, and seal into a closed packet. Place on oven rack and bake until cooked through, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Finish With a Broil

Whenever I cook salmon or trout in foil, I always opt for an uncovered, 5-minute broil at the very end. This lends a crispy final touch that slightly sears and carmelizes the skin so it has a bit more texture and crust.

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