How to Make the Perfect Honey Garlic Salmon Packets
American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
These honey garlic salmon packets are marinated in a sticky sweet and savory glaze, wrapped in foil, and frozen raw for the easiest weeknight dinner imaginable. Simply pull a packet from the freezer, bake it directly from frozen, and serve a restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Garlic Salmon Packets recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 34g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 pieces salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium lemon sliced into rounds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil until fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 2: Assemble the Packets
Place each salmon fillet on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spoon the honey garlic marinade generously over each fillet. Top each with 2 to 3 lemon rounds. Fold and seal the foil tightly around each fillet to create a fully enclosed packet.
Step 3: Freeze the Packets
Place the sealed foil packets flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 2 hours until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Do not thaw the salmon before cooking for best results.
Step 4: Bake from Frozen
When ready to cook preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the frozen packets on a baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Carefully open the packets away from you as steam will be very hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- salmon fillets → trout or mahi-mahi fillets for a different fish option
- honey → maple syrup for an equally delicious alternative glaze
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not sealing the foil packets tightly enough which allows steam to escape and dries out the salmon
- Thawing the packets before baking which causes the marinade to run off the fish and reduces flavor
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 34g protein, 14g carbs, 12g fat, 1g fiber.
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