Asian Salmon in Foil Recipe
If you love vibrant flavors and effortless clean-up, the Asian Salmon in Foil recipe is about to become your new go-to weeknight dinner. Imagine perfectly tender salmon fillets, bathed in a savory-sweet marinade of soy, honey, ginger, and aromatics, all sealed up in foil to lock in every drop of moisture. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that checks all the boxes: simple prep, quick cooking, and restaurant-caliber taste straight from your oven. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to a healthy homemade meal, this Asian Salmon in Foil delivers a punch of flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Asian Salmon in Foil can be found in most kitchens or a quick grocery run. Each element brings something important, whether it’s umami, sweetness, heat, or that signature silky texture salmon fans crave. Here’s why you don’t want to skip a single ingredient:
- Salmon Fillets: The star of the show, rich in omega-3s and turns melt-in-your-mouth tender wrapped in foil.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Offers deep umami flavor and balances the sweetness without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Honey: Adds a gorgeous caramelized glaze and gentle sweetness to contrast the soy sauce and ginger.
- Sesame Oil: Provides rich nuttiness and that authentic Asian aroma you crave.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens the marinade and keeps everything fresh-tasting and light.
- Fresh Ginger (grated): Lively, spicy freshness that wakes up every bite of salmon.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for building savory depth—don’t skimp!
- Green Onions (sliced): Add gentle sharpness and color, both in the marinade and as a vibrant garnish.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Give your salmon a customizable kick of heat—add more or less to taste.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Bring crunch and visual flair, making the final dish extra beautiful.
- Nonstick Spray or Olive Oil: A quick spritz or brush on foil ensures your salmon slides out easily, intact and picture-perfect.
How to Make Asian Salmon in Foil
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, tear four generous sheets of foil and give each a light spray of nonstick cooking spray or brush of olive oil. This is your secret to lifting out salmon fillets with zero sticking or breaking.
Step 2: Whisk the Marinade
Grab a small bowl and whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes if you want a little spice. You’ll notice the mixture is irresistibly fragrant—it promises big, bold flavor that will soak right into every bite of salmon.
Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets
Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil sheet. Spoon the marinade evenly over each one, ensuring that every inch is coated. The foil will help the salmon steam gently as it bakes, locking in all those delicious flavors and natural juices.
Step 4: Seal and Bake
Fold up the sides of each foil piece around the salmon to create a snug packet and seal them well to keep the steam in. Arrange the packets on a baking sheet, slide them into your preheated oven, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. When ready, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear uniformly opaque.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully open each foil packet—watch out for hot steam!—and sprinkle the finished salmon with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Now, prepare to dig in; your Asian Salmon in Foil is ready to wow.
How to Serve Asian Salmon in Foil

Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference with Asian Salmon in Foil. Add more sliced green onions for freshness and a pop of green, and sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch and subtle nuttiness—these little extras transform a simple salmon dinner into something visually stunning and even more appetizing.
Side Dishes
This salmon is beautifully versatile! Serve it over fluffy steamed rice to soak up every drop of sauce, try brown rice or quinoa for extra texture, or pair it with market-fresh stir-fried veggies. Lightly steamed bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli are all fantastic choices to round out this meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salmon packets directly at the table and invite guests to open their own—it’s like unwrapping a delicious gift! Or, carefully plate the fillet on a bed of greens and drizzle any leftover sauce from the packet over the top, turning your weeknight dinner into a plated restaurant-style affair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Asian Salmon in Foil, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to develop, making leftovers just as crave-worthy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon! Wrap cooled fillets (without garnishes) tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results and minimal moisture loss.
Reheating
To reheat, place your salmon in a foil packet or covered baking dish and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through—about 10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch (use medium power in 30-second bursts), but gentle oven heat keeps the fish moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Asian Salmon in Foil?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before adding them to the marinade. This ensures the flavors really soak in and your salmon cooks evenly.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Definitely—just swap out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and you’ve got perfectly gluten-free Asian Salmon in Foil that everyone can enjoy.
Can I grill the foil packets instead of baking them?
Yes! Place the sealed foil packets directly on a preheated outdoor grill over medium heat. Grill for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating once, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Delicious summer vibes, minus the oven heat!
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
No rice vinegar? No problem! Substitute an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or even fresh lemon juice for a similar bright, tangy lift.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked salmon should appear opaque throughout and flake apart easily with a fork. If you like to be precise, a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part should reach 145°F.
Final Thoughts
Asian Salmon in Foil is one of those rare gems that feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough for a busy weeknight. Give it a try, experiment with sides and garnishes, and get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s equal parts simple and sensational—your future dinners will thank you.
Print
Asian Salmon in Foil Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Asian Salmon in Foil is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that features tender, flavorful salmon fillets baked in a savory Asian-inspired sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Sauce:
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Additional:
- Nonstick spray or olive oil for greasing foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, green onions, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Assemble packets: Tear 4 large sheets of foil and lightly grease each. Place one salmon fillet in the center of each sheet. Spoon sauce over the salmon. Fold up the sides of the foil to seal.
- Bake: Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully open the foil packets, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or stir-fried vegetables.
- Grilling option: Grill the foil packets over medium heat for about 12–14 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg