Grill Foil Salmon: Amazing 10-Min Dinner

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Grill foil salmon has completely changed my weeknight dinners, and I’m so excited to share it with you! There’s something magical about the aroma of salmon and herbs hitting the hot grill, all sealed up in a little foil packet. I remember struggling with dry, overcooked salmon for years, but ever since I discovered these easy grilled salmon foil packets, my family devours it every time. Learning how to grill salmon in foil was a game-changer, and the best part is the minimal cleanup. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Grill Foil Salmon

This recipe is a weeknight hero for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredible flavor and how incredibly moist the fish stays.

Flavor explosion: The herb butter and smoky grill infuse the salmon with amazing taste.
Super fast prep: You’ll have everything ready to go on the grill in just 10 minutes.
Healthy and light: It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious meal packed with protein and healthy fats.
Budget-friendly: Salmon and asparagus are surprisingly affordable, especially when bought in season.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters love this tender, flaky fish.
Perfectly cooked: The foil packet ensures your foil-wrapped grilled salmon is never dry.
Cleanup is a breeze: Say goodbye to scrubbing pans with this easy cleanup grilled salmon foil method.

Ingredients for Grill Foil Salmon

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this amazing lemon herb grilled salmon foil creation. You’ll need four 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on or off, your preference! For the magical sauce, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix it with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The Dijon adds a lovely tang, while the dill and lemon brighten everything up beautifully. Don’t forget 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to season everything perfectly. We’ll also add 1 pound of fresh asparagus, cleaned and trimmed, to roast alongside the salmon.

How to Make Grill Foil Salmon

This recipe makes grilling salmon so simple, you’ll want to do it all the time! The key to perfectly cooked fish and veggies is getting your grill to the right temperature.

Step 1: Preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This medium-high heat is perfect for cooking salmon quickly without drying it out.
Step 2: While the grill heats up, pat your four 6-ounce salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. This helps create a nice crust.
Step 3: Tear off four large squares of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12-14 inches each. These will be your packets!
Step 4: Divide the trimmed 1 pound of fresh asparagus spears evenly among the four foil squares. Place one seasoned salmon fillet on top of the asparagus in each packet.
Step 5: In a microwave-safe cup or small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons of melted butter with the 2 minced garlic cloves. Microwave for about 30 seconds, just until the butter is fully melted.
Step 6: Stir the melted butter mixture with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. This herby, garlicky sauce is pure flavor!
Step 7: Spoon this delicious butter herb sauce evenly over each salmon fillet and asparagus.
Step 8: Add a few slices of fresh lemon on top of the salmon in each packet.
Step 9: To seal, bring the edges of each foil square together and roll them tightly to create a secure packet. This traps all the steam and flavor, ensuring wonderfully salmon grilled with foil.
Step 10: Gently place the sealed foil packets directly onto the preheated grill grates. Close the grill lid.
Step 11: Cook for 10-12 minutes. The exact time depends on your grill’s heat and the thickness of your salmon. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium to medium-well, which yields incredibly tender and juicy fish. The aroma will be amazing as the salmon cooks!
Step 12: Carefully remove the packets from the grill. Let them rest for 5 minutes before opening. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Step 13: Open the packets carefully (watch out for steam!) and garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill. Enjoy your perfectly grilling salmon fillets in foil!

Pro Tips for the Best Grill Foil Salmon

Want to elevate your salmon game? These tips will ensure your grilled fish is restaurant-quality every time.

Use heavy-duty foil for your packets. Standard foil can tear easily on the grill, and you don’t want any precious flavor escaping!
The best way to grill salmon in foil is to not overcrowd the packet. Give everything a little breathing room so it steams and cooks evenly.
Don’t be afraid of the herb butter – it’s what makes this salmon so incredibly flavorful and keeps it from sticking.
If you don’t have dill, parsley or chives are great substitutes.

What’s the secret to perfect grill foil salmon?

The magic is in the sealed packet! It creates a steamy environment that cooks the fish gently, ensuring unbelievably moist grilled salmon in foil. The butter mixture infuses every bite with flavor.

Can I make grill foil salmon ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! Assemble the foil packets up to 2 hours before grilling. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to place them on the grill. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time if they’re still cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with grill foil salmon?

A common pitfall is overcooking, which leads to dry salmon. Always use a thermometer and aim for 130-135°F. Also, avoid opening the packets too early; let them rest for those crucial 5 minutes to lock in moisture.

Best Ways to Serve Grill Foil Salmon

This delicious salmon is so versatile! For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside fluffy quinoa or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette. The tender, flaky fish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes or grilled corn on the cob. If you’re craving something rich and decadent, try a side of creamy risotto or even some buttery mashed potatoes to soak up any extra sauce from your garlic butter grilled salmon foil packets.

Nutrition Facts for Grill Foil Salmon

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this fantastic recipe:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Grill Foil Salmon

Leftover grill foil salmon is a treasure, and proper storage keeps it tasting amazing. Once the packets have cooled completely, carefully open them and transfer any leftover salmon and veggies to an airtight container. You can store these delicious packets in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, these packets freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and they’ll last in the freezer for about 3 months. For reheating, the best method is to gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, preserving that tender texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grill Foil Salmon

What’s the secret to perfect grill foil salmon?

The secret to perfectly cooked, moist grilled salmon in foil lies in the sealed packet itself. It creates a steamy environment that gently cooks the fish, infusing it with the herb butter while keeping it incredibly tender. Don’t open the packets too early!

Can I make grill foil salmon ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble your foil packet salmon recipe grill packets up to two hours before you plan to cook them. Just keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to place them on the grill. If they’re taken directly from the fridge, you might need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with grill foil salmon?

The biggest mistake people make is overcooking, which leads to dry salmon. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. Another common pitfall is opening the packets too soon; letting them rest for 5 minutes after grilling is crucial for juicy results.

Variations of Grill Foil Salmon You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic grill foil salmon, there are so many delicious ways to mix it up! For a lighter option, you can swap the butter for olive oil and add cherry tomatoes and zucchini for a vibrant, healthy grilled salmon foil recipe. If you’re craving something with a bit more kick, try a spicy Cajun seasoning blend with some bell peppers and onions. Another fantastic idea is to use a teriyaki glaze with pineapple chunks and snap peas for a tropical twist. You can even adapt this to oven baking if grilling isn’t an option – just adjust the cooking time!

For a truly decadent experience, consider pairing this salmon with a side of garlic butter steak, or if you’re in the mood for something comforting, our creamy sausage potato chowder makes a wonderful accompaniment. If you’re looking for other quick and flavorful seafood options, you might enjoy our irresistible Korean Mexican shrimp. For those interested in the science of cooking, understanding the food safety temperature danger zone can help ensure your meals are both delicious and safe.