Zesty Salmon Foil Packets with Pineapple & Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Salmon foil packets offer a delightful culinary adventure that revolutionizes ordinary seafood into an extraordinary meal.

These ingenious parcels lock in moisture and infuse proteins with vibrant, zesty flavors.

Wrapping delicate fish creates a foolproof cooking method that guarantees tender, flaky results every single time.

The combination of sweet tropical fruit and tangy citrus elevates this dish beyond traditional preparations.

Aluminum foil acts like a protective cocoon, sealing in natural juices and preventing potential drying or overcooking.

Simple ingredients merge magically, producing a restaurant-quality dinner without complex techniques or extensive kitchen skills.

Modern home cooks appreciate how these packets streamline meal preparation and minimize cleanup efforts.

Your taste buds will dance with excitement over this quick, elegant seafood solution.

Salmon Foil Packet Variations Worth Trying

• Tropical Salmon Medley: Swap pineapple with mango chunks and add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a Hawaiian-inspired seafood experience.
• Spicy Citrus Salmon Bundle: Replace honey with orange marmalade, add red pepper flakes, and incorporate sliced jalapeños for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Salmon Wrap: Use fresh dill and oregano instead of parsley, include lemon zest, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style variation.
• Asian-Inspired Salmon Packet: Substitute butter sauce with a mix of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, then garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an umami-rich flavor profile.

Why Salmon Foil Packets with Pineapple Are a Tropical Treat

• Unlock Vibrant Flavor Fusion: Dive into a mouthwatering combination of sweet pineapple, zesty lemon, and rich garlic butter that transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Effortlessly create a gourmet meal using simple foil packet technique that seals in moisture, locks in flavors, and minimizes cleanup with zero mess.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: Whip up a restaurant-quality dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Tropical Twist Delight: Enjoy a bright, summery meal that brings vacation vibes to your dining table, combining the richness of salmon with the refreshing sweetness of pineapple in every single bite.

Ingredients for Salmon Foil Packets with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish with a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the sauce, best when wild-caught or sustainably sourced.

• Pineapple, Lemon: Sweet tropical fruit adds brightness and caramelization, while citrus brings zesty freshness and helps tenderize the fish.

• Butter, Honey: Creamy butter creates a luxurious sauce base, with honey adding subtle sweetness and helping to caramelize the fish.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, providing depth of flavor to the sauce and complementing the salmon's richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the fish and balance the sweet and tangy sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh, light finish and visual appeal to the dish, with a mild peppery undertone.

How to Wrap and Bake Salmon Foil Packets Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with additional foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Butter Sauce

• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well combined. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble Foil Packets

• Pineapple slices in center
• Fresh salmon fillet
• Drizzle prepared butter sauce
• Sprinkle with salt
• Add cracked black pepper
• Garnish with additional parsley

Step 4: Seal Packets

Carefully fold foil edges to create secure, tight packets. Ensure no liquid can escape during cooking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place foil packets on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon becomes flaky and fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove packets from oven. Let rest for 2-3 minutes. Carefully open packets to release aromatic steam. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Tips for Juicy Salmon and Caramelized Pineapple

• Seal Tightly: Crimp foil edges firmly to lock in moisture and prevent steam from escaping during baking.
• Check Salmon Doneness: Use a fork to gently test salmon's flakiness; it should easily separate when fully cooked.
• Pineapple Placement: Slice pineapple evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent burning at thin edges.
• Sauce Balance: Drizzle sauce sparingly to enhance flavor without making the packet soggy or overwhelming the fish.
• Herb Freshness: Add chopped parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and bright, fresh taste.

How to Store and Reheat Foil Packet Salmon

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm salmon gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to preserve moisture and prevent overcooking. Alternatively, use the microwave on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying out the fish.
• Freeze: Wrap individual salmon packets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Pairs Well with Pineapple Salmon Foil Packets

• Pair with Tropical White Wine: Reach for a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the sweet pineapple and buttery salmon. These wines cut through the richness while enhancing the citrusy lemon notes.
• Serve with Zesty Coconut Rice: Create a side dish that echoes the tropical flavors of the pineapple. Coconut rice provides a creamy, smooth base that balances the tangy sauce and adds another layer of exotic taste.
• Refresh with Sparkling Citrus Mocktail: Blend fresh pineapple juice, a splash of lemon, and sparkling water for a vibrant, non-alcoholic drink. The effervescence and bright citrus notes perfectly match the salmon's light, summery profile.
• Add Herbed Cucumber Salad: Prepare a cool, crisp side salad with fresh cucumbers, dill, and a light vinaigrette. This refreshing accompaniment cuts through the richness of the salmon and provides a clean, palate-cleansing contrast.

Salmon Foil Packets with Pineapple and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hawaiian-inspired salmon foil packets blend zesty citrus with sweet tropical pineapple in a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce. Effortless preparation and bold Mediterranean-meets-Pacific flavors make this dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend entertaining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450 grams) salmon fillets
• ½ pineapple, halved and sliced
• 4 large cloves garlic, crushed

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 stick (115 grams) butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the delicate salmon and sweet pineapple.
2. Craft a luscious sauce by gently melting butter in a saucepan, then incorporating honey, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients until they form a harmonious blend, then fold in chopped parsley for an aromatic touch.
3. Prepare four generously sized aluminum foil sheets, laying out a vibrant bed of pineapple slices in the center of each. Season the fruit with a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
4. Carefully position salmon fillets atop the pineapple, allowing the tropical base to infuse the fish with sweet undertones. Drizzle the prepared honey-lemon garlic butter sauce generously over each fillet.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by sprinkling salt and additional parsley across the salmon. Delicately fold the foil edges, creating secure, steam-trapping packets that will lock in moisture and fragrance.
6. Transfer the sealed packets onto a baking sheet, sliding them into the preheated oven. Allow the salmon to cook for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the fish becomes perfectly flaky and translucent.
7. Remove the packets from the oven, letting them rest briefly before carefully opening to release the aromatic steam. Serve immediately, revealing the tender salmon nestled among caramelized pineapple slices.

Notes

• Wrapping salmon in foil creates a steamy, flavor-packed environment that keeps the fish moist and infuses it with delicious seasonings.
• Perfect for busy cooks who want minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg