Salmon in Foil

User Reviews

4.8

236 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    8 mins

  • Cook Time

    12 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    2

  • Calories

    314 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Japanese

Salmon in Foil

Salmon in Foil features skin-on salmon fillets topped with julienned carrot, sliced onion, and two types of mushrooms. Wrapped in buttered aluminum foil with sake, this method steams the fish gently for a tender texture. The dish is finished with a drizzle of ponzu or soy sauce and chopped chives for a fresh, tangy touch, offering a savory and moist salmon preparation with a mix of earthy vegetables.

Description

This recipe for Salmon in Foil uses thin-cut, skin-on salmon fillets layered over sliced onions, julienned carrots, and a combination of shimeji and shiitake mushrooms. The addition of sake and divided unsalted butter enhances moisture and flavor. Wrapping the ingredients in butter-coated foil packets allows the salmon and vegetables to steam simultaneously, preserving delicate textures and infusing subtle richness.

The cooking method yields flaky, moist salmon with gentle steam-cooked vegetables that retain their bite and natural flavors. The use of mushrooms contributes an umami component, while the carrots and onions bring slight sweetness and crunch. After cooking, the dish is garnished with chopped chives and a drizzle of ponzu or soy sauce, adding a bright, tangy note that complements the buttery fish.

This salmon dish can be served directly from the foil packets, making for easy plating and cleanup. It pairs well with simple sides like steamed rice or greens to balance the richness. Its preparation suits a leisurely home-cooked meal focused on clean, fresh ingredients.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 2 salmon fillets 8.5 oz, 240 g total; I used thin-cut salmon from a Japanese grocery store, skin-on
  • kosher salt Diamond Crystal brand
  • black pepper freshly ground
  • ½ onion (3 oz, 85 g)
  • 3 oz carrot (2 inches, 5 cm)
  • 1.8 oz shimeji mushrooms (½ package)
  • 2 shiitake mushrooms
  • Tbsp butter divided, unsalted
  • 1 Tbsp sake (divided)

For Serving

  • 2 leaves chives
  • 2 Tbsp ponzu for drizzling; you can make my homemade ponzu recipe, or soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Gather all the ingredients.

To Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Sprinkle Diamond Crystal kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of 2 skin-on salmon fillets.
  2. Thinly slice ½ onion and cut 3 oz carrot into julienne strips.
  3. Cut off the bottoms of 1.8 oz shimeji mushrooms and 2 shiitake mushrooms. Separate the shimeji mushrooms by hand into small clusters. Thinly slice the shiitake caps.
  4. Cut 2 leaves chives into small pieces.

To Prepare the Foil Packets

  1. Prepare 2 sheets of aluminum foil, each 12 x 12 inches (30 x 30 cm). Divide ½ Tbsp unsalted butter and thinly spread it in the center of the foil sheets (reserve the remaining 1 Tbsp unsalted butter for later).
  2. For one foil packet, place one portion of the onion slices on the foil. Then, put one salmon fillet on top, skin side down.
  3. Top with one portion of the mushrooms and carrot julienne strips.
  4. Add ½ Tbsp sake and ½ Tbsp butter on top.
  5. Bring the top and bottom of the aluminum foil together over the salmon and fold a few times to close the top. Then, bring the sides together and fold a few times to tightly sealed the foil packet. Repeat the same process for the other fillet.

To Cook on the Stovetop

  1. Place the salmon foil packets in a frying pan and cover with a lid (no need to add water). Cook the salmon over medium heat for 2 minutes, then medium-low heat for 10 minutes. If your salmon is 1–1½ inches thick, cook for 15–18 minutes. Carefully open the foil packet (avoiding the hot steam) to check the doneness, if needed.

To Bake in the Oven (optional)

  1. Alternatively, you can bake in a preheated 425ºF (218ºC) oven for 15 minutes. For a convection oven, reduce the cooking temperature by 25ºF (15ºC). If your salmon is 1–1½ inches thick, bake for 18–20 minutes. Carefully open the foil to check the doneness.

To Serve

  1. Carefully open the foil packets, avoiding the hot steam. Sprinkle with the chopped chives and drizzle each with 1 Tbsp ponzu or soy sauce. Enjoy!

To Store

  1. You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for 2 weeks.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 314kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 17g (26%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 89mg (30%) Sodium 430mg (18%) Potassium 960mg (20%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 7459IU (149%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 43mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 314 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 314kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 17g 26%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 89mg 30%
Sodium 430mg 18%
Potassium 960mg 20%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 7459IU 149%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 43mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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4.8

236 reviews
Excellent

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