An easy guide on how to grill salmon in foil packets, which only needs a few ingredients, a short cooking time, and little cleanup.
I’m going to be honest with you: grilled salmon is all I need to survive, nay, thrive. There’s just something about that smoky-charred flavor with the crispy skin that makes my mouth buds sing every single time.
If you’re like me and prefer the fish-to-grill method, you can check out how I do it in The Only Grilled Salmon Recipe You’ll Ever Need.
For those of you who prefer grilled salmon in foil, I have the simplest little tutorial for you. It involves you, some tin foil, your salmon fillet, a lemon, some seasoning, and oil. And salt… don’t forget the salt. While foil-less is my preference, I know there are plenty of you who enjoy cooking your salmon in foil.
Grilling salmon in a foil packet can be a practical way to save grill space for foods that require higher heat if you’re barbecuing a lot of other items.
Simply place the packet on the grill’s shelf or close to foods that require high heat and cook over the burners.
This recipe for BBQ salmon in foil can be customized to your preferences by adding your preferred herbs, spices, fresh garlic, etc. It will be a hit at your next barbecue!
How to Make Grilled Salmon Using Foil : Grilling Out
Grilled Salmon in Foil 🔗
Here’s how to make grilled salmon in foil: the easiest way to grill salmon! These tips make a perfectly moist and seasoned fillet.
Prep: 10min
Total: 20min
Nutrition Facts: servingSize None, calories 226 calories, Sugar 0.3 g, Sodium 133 mg, Fat 8 g, Saturated Fat 1.4 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 0.8 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 38 g, Cholesterol 86.9 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, wild caught if possible
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, cumin
- 8 lemon wedges
- Fresh herbs, for garnish (oregano, chives, basil, parsley, tarragon, etc)
Instruction:
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees).
- Place a large sheet of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil. Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil. Sprinkle the salmon with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin (add a few grinds of black pepper if you like). Close the foil and seal it around the salmon.
- Place the packet directly on the grill grates and cook for 6 minutes. Then carefully open the packet and release the steam. Cook additional 1 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should read between 125 to 130F when a food thermometer is inserted in the thickest part of the salmon).
- Meanwhile, grill the lemon wedges directly on the grill grates, cut side down, until blackened. (This doesn’t affect flavor too much, but gives a nice charred look to the lemons.)
- Generously spritz the cooked salmon with the lemon. Top with fresh herbs and serve. Leftovers keep up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
FAQ
How long should you cook salmon on the grill in foil?
Close the grill lid, and then grill the salmon for 14 to 18 minutes, or until it is nearly cooked through at the thickest part. Salmon should be grilled over medium heat, around 375 to 400 degrees F.
Is it better to cook salmon in foil or not?
You don’t need to have ever cooked a piece of fish in your life to make this recipe with success.Foil acts as a flavor incubator.Foil locks in moisture and ensures that your beautiful piece of salmon turns out flakey, moist, and tender every single time.
How long do you cook salmon on grill?
Grill salmon skin-side up for 6 to 8 minutes, then carefully flip it over and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. Brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking.
Can I grill salmon directly on grill?
After your grill has heated through completely, place salmon fillets directly on the grill, skin side down, and close the grill. Grill the fillets for 6 minutes, then flip them over and grill for another 2 minutes skin-side up.