Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

Name: Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large salmon fillet; Salt and pepper (to taste); ½ cup melted butter; Juice of 2 limes (plus one lime, thinly sliced); 4 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ⅓ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)

Published: August 15, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Flavorful Glaze: The combination of honey, lime, and garlic creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the natural taste of salmon.
Healthy Option: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this recipe a nutritious choice for your meals.
Versatile Dish: Perfectly pairs with various sides like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Minimal Cleanup: Cooking in foil means less mess and easy cleanup afterward.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, ensure you have the right tools on hand. With these essentials, you’ll streamline your preparation and cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for your salmon while allowing even cooking.
Aluminum foil: Keeps the salmon moist during baking and simplifies cleanup.
Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without spilling or mess.

Ingredients

For the Salmon

1 large salmon fillet (see note)
salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Honey Lime Glaze

½ cup butter (melted; see note)
juice of 2 limes (plus one lime, thinly sliced)
4 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon minced garlic

For Garnish

⅓ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)

How to Make Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line and grease a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the salmon fillet on the foil and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Slip lime slices underneath the salmon for added flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, lime juice, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour this mixture over the salmon evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon

Fold the sides of the foil up over the salmon; it doesn’t need to be completely covered. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Switch to broil mode for an additional 5 minutes to give it a nice finish.

Step 4: Serve

Once done, remove from oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful baked honey cilantro lime salmon!

How to Serve Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

Serving Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil is simple yet elegant. The vibrant flavors of the honey and lime make it a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

With Fresh Vegetables

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly season asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender.
Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets in olive oil and roast until crispy for a healthy crunch.
Mixed Green Salad: Combine fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing salad.

Over Rice or Quinoa

Coconut Rice: Cook rice with coconut milk for a creamy texture that complements the salmon’s flavors.
Lime Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with lime juice and cilantro for added zest and nutrition.

With Dipping Sauces

Avocado Cream Sauce: Blend ripe avocado with lime juice and Greek yogurt for a creamy dip.
Spicy Mango Salsa: Dice mango, onion, and jalapeño for a sweet and spicy salsa that pairs beautifully.

How to Perfect Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

To achieve the best results when making Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil, consider these tips. They will help you elevate your cooking technique.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh limes and cilantro will provide brighter flavors compared to dried versions.
Check Doneness Carefully: Ensure the salmon is just cooked through; it should flake easily but not be dry.
Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add spices like cumin or paprika for an extra flavor kick.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your salmon during the broiling step to prevent it from drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

Pairing your salmon with the right side dishes can enhance the meal experience significantly. Here are some great options that complement the dish perfectly.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic provide a comforting side.
Cucumber Salad: A light salad tossed in vinegar and herbs offers a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon.
Zucchini Noodles: Sautéed zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil make for a low-carb option that’s tasty and satisfying.
Steamed Green Beans: Simple yet nutritious, steamed green beans add color and crunch to your plate.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that pairs well with honey-cilantro flavors.
Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa salad mixed with vegetables can offer additional protein and fiber.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

Bold seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon properly can lead to bland flavor. Always season with salt and pepper on both sides before adding any marinades.
Bold using low-quality honey: Opting for a low-quality honey can affect the glaze’s taste. Choose a pure, high-quality honey for the best results.
Bold incorrect foil folding: Failing to fold the foil tightly can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to seal the foil well, keeping the steam inside.
Bold overcooking: Cooking the salmon too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on it and use a timer to ensure perfect doneness.
Bold fresh herbs substitution: Using dried cilantro instead of fresh can alter the dish’s freshness. Always use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Use within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped salmon for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely; heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and reheat salmon gently, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil.

How To Make Salmon With Lime?

To make salmon with lime, combine lime juice with honey and garlic, then pour over seasoned salmon. Bake wrapped in foil for juicy flavor.

How To Cook Salmon With Lime?

Cooking salmon with lime involves marinating with lime juice and other seasonings before baking it wrapped in foil to lock in moisture.

Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Yes! You can substitute any firm fish like trout or tilapia, adjusting cooking time as needed based on thickness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different herbs or spices according to your taste. Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy tender, flaky salmon that’s sure to impress!

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