Foil Packet Ginger Basil Salmon Recipe

This delicious Ginger Basil Salmon in Foil is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s healthy, easy to prepare, and ready in just 20 minutes!

Is there anything better than a quick, healthy weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Ginger Basil Salmon baked in foil delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a perfect option for busy evenings: low-prep, fast to cook, and easy to clean up. The sweet-spicy marinade highlights fresh ginger, garlic, and basil while keeping the fish moist and flaky.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Quick and flavorful — ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Low in carbs and high in protein — roughly 29 grams of protein per serving.
• Baking in foil makes cleanup simple and lets you wrap leftovers straight away.
• The sauce balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes without refined sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lb fresh salmon fillet – skin-on is recommended. Wild-caught salmon with firm, pink flesh works well. If using frozen, thaw completely before cooking.
• 1/2 tsp salt – or to taste, to season the fish.
• For the marinade: 3 Tbsp rice vinegar, juice of half a lemon, 1 Tbsp honey, 1 Tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free), 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger, 2 tsp sriracha (optional, adjust for heat preference), 3 cloves garlic minced, 2 Tbsp fresh basil chopped.

How to Make Ginger Basil Salmon

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with nonstick spray or a thin brush of oil. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down in the center of the foil and sprinkle with salt.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, grated ginger, sriracha (if using), minced garlic, and chopped basil until well combined.
4. Pour the marinade evenly over the salmon so the top and sides are coated. Tightly wrap the foil around the fillet, sealing edges to form a packet.
5. Bake for 15–20 minutes depending on thickness. For a slightly caramelized finish, carefully open the foil and place the salmon under the broiler for 2–5 minutes until the top is glossy and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Remove from oven, let rest a minute, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh basil or lemon slices if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Place roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers in the foil packet with the salmon or serve them on the side for a complete plate.
• Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a simple salad, or pair with grains like brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
• Leftover salmon flakes make a great protein addition to grain bowls, tacos, or cold salads the next day.

Prepping and Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the salmon in foil and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or heat gently in the microwave (do not use foil in the microwave). Leftover salmon is excellent tossed into salads or mixed into grain bowls for quick lunches.

Salmon Health Benefits

Salmon is a nutrient-rich choice: it’s high in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, a great source of lean protein, and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Regularly including salmon in your diet can support heart and brain health and contributes to balanced, protein-forward meals.

Nutrition (per 4 oz serving)

• Calories: 222 kcal
• Protein: ~28.9 g
• Fat: ~9.2 g (Saturated: ~1.2 g)
• Carbohydrates: ~3.7 g (Sugar: ~2.3 g)
• Sodium: ~276 mg

Nutrition information is an approximation and will vary based on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Tips and Variations

• Make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce.
• Swap basil for cilantro or flat-leaf parsley for a different herb profile.
• Adjust sweetness with maple syrup instead of honey, or omit the spicy element if serving children.
• If you prefer a crispier finish without broiling, sear the top of the salmon briefly in a hot skillet after baking.

More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love

• Hummus Crusted Salmon with Lemon Arugula Salad
• Easy Chimichurri Baked Salmon
• Sheet Pan Ginger Soy Glazed Salmon
• Chili Rubbed Salmon with Summer Corn Salad
• Mango Sriracha Salmon Tacos

Hope you enjoy this Ginger Basil Salmon in Foil! If you try it, consider leaving a rating or sharing a photo of your version on social media with a hashtag you follow — seeing your recreations is always a highlight.