This easy grilled salmon in foil recipe, with the flavors of soy sauce and ginger, requires virtually no clean-up. It's perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining!
I take absolutely no credit for this recipe for grilled salmon in foil, possibly one of the easiest dinners you will ever make. That all goes to my mum. She has made this salmon, either on the grill or baked in the oven, countless times for dinner parties, large gatherings and casual family dinners. And the secret to this "no clean-up" (that's what I said...you're cooking in foil. Rejoice!) recipe is simple...there is no trick.
That's right. Just place the salmon in a double layer of foil, pour over a simple soy sauce (or tamari) mixture, adorn with ginger, garlic and green onions, and slide it onto the grill.
The grilled salmon recipe can be served hot or at room temperature. Many times, my mum doubled or tripled this recipe for large gatherings and served the salmon at room temperature, alongside salads and other side dishes. At this time of year, a colorful Tricolor Thai Salad with Zucchini & Yellow Squash would be a fantastic accompaniment.
Not only is salmon one of the most taste-friendly fish for those who are wary of seafood, it is an excellent source of omega-3s, those fatty acids known to be vital to the body's functioning. If you are concerned about mercury and other pollutants that are known to affect many fish, including salmon, be sure to source wild-caught salmon, which are known to have lower levels of contamination.
Large pieces of salmon are typically sold with the skin on. While you certainly can remove the skin before cooking, particularly with a special fish filleting knife, it is far easier to do so after cooking. In fact, the fish practically slides off the skin, provided the salmon is not overcooked.
The grilled salmon in foil recipe:
Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Lay the salmon on a double sheet of foil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), rice vinegar and canola oil. Fold all four sides of the foil up and pour the mixture evenly over the salmon.
Lay the slices of ginger and garlic, and the green onions on top of the salmon.
Seal the foil by folding it as though you wrapping a present. Slide the foil packet onto the grill and close the lid. Cook until the salmon is just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Take care not to overcook the salmon.
Unwrap the salmon from the foil, remove the garlic, ginger and green onions, and cut into pieces and serve hot or at room temperature.
Other healthy salmon recipes:
Grilled Salmon Burgers with Avocado Sauce
Caprese Potato Salmon Foil Packets
Whole Wheat Pasta Salad with Salmon, Tomatoes & Herb Dressing
Baked Trout (or Salmon) with Honey-Thyme Glaze
If you make this recipe, I'd love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I'll be sure to find it.
Printable Recipe
Easy Grilled Salmon in Foil Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ salmon about 2 pounds, with or without skin (remove before eating)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
- 1 1-inch piece ginger peeled and sliced
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 3 green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Lay the salmon on a double sheet of foil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar and canola oil. Fold all four sides of the foil up and pour the mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Lay the slices of ginger and garlic, and the green onions on top of the salmon.
- Seal the foil by folding it as though you wrapping a present. Slide the foil packet onto the grill and close the lid. Cook until the salmon is just cooked through, about 10 minutes. Take care not to overcook the salmon.
- Unwrap the salmon from the foil, remove the garlic, ginger and green onions, and cut into pieces and serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Katie
Can I used a different vinegar than rice vinegar?
Dara
White wine vinegar could be subbed in.
Rachel Goodman
My husband made this for our Mother's Day dinner and it was delicious! He was nervous to make it because never has much luck cooking salmon on the grill, but the foil package made all the difference. Great recipe, thanks!
Martyn
Great recipe! I love the combination of soy and ginger!
I usually grill my Salmon but know that making it in foil gives you a nice tender salmon
Will give your recipe a go! Thanks
Kim Taylor
I found this through Google and I'm so happy I did. It was easy and delicious, and I love that I can cook it on the grill so I don't have to heat up the kitchen in the middle of the summer.
KalynsKitchen
Happy Friday! Just letting you know I featured this recipe in my Low-Carb Recipe Love on Fridays post today. I hope a lot of my readers will click over to get the recipe and try it!
Jessie {Life As A Strawberry}
This looks amaaaazing! I'm a huge fan of wild salmon, especially in such quick, easy recipes. Thanks for including my tequila & sriracha salmon in your link lineup!
Susan
I made the recipe, with a few adjustments, and it turned out wonderfully well.
Ed, you're right that the 10 min grilling time is not accurate. I have a high powered gas grill, and the heat was on med-high (about 400 degrees) and I cooked it for 13-15 minutes.
I added a twist of orange on top of the salmon and a bit of orange juice. Superb.
Carolyn
First, my fellow expat Canuck, I love that you write mum with a u. I do too. Secondly, love love love the salmon. I am making this very soon.
Bobbie
This looks good. One question though. You mentioned that this could be baked in the oven so I wanted to know what temp and how long? I have been wanting to make fish at home instead of buying the frozen stuff. Do think this would be good with Tilapia as well?
Nutmeg Nanny
Yum! This will be my husbands new favorite, I am sure 🙂
Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste
This looks so spectacular! Love the combination of fresh ginger and soy sauce!
Peter @Feed Your Soul Too
I love the ease with which this can be prepared. The Asian flavors look like the compliment the salmon so well. Also, thx for noting my Blackened Salmon sandwich. Happy cooking.
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper
Mmmm, I love grilled salmon and Asian-style salmon. Perfect way to combine the two!
Aggie
Love everything about this - good job mom!! I don't think I've cooked salmon in foil on the grill, this looks so fresh and delicious!
cassie
I love making dinners introduced to me by my mom. Yours was spot-on here. I love the sound of this salmon, Dara!
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts
Dara,
Your salmon looks so tasty, and so easy. Doubly awesome in my book.
My spouse is a vegetarian-while-deployed, and plans to eat "happy meat" when he returns. I'm thinking when the local grocery store has their next salmon sidewalk sale (coho or sockeye is up next, I forget what's in the freezer now) I'll have them leave one whole so I can prepare this for him.
Thanks!
Jackie {The Beeroness}
That salmon is gorgeous! Such a beautiful color. I also love that it's so sustainable, easy to recommend to others. I love that you added ginger, such a delicious idea.
Frank @Memorie di Angelina
I love salmon and this looks like a perfect way to enjoy its special taste. I like the foil treatment—keeps things moist!
Ashley@BakerbyNature
I'm just starting to get into salmon, but since I'ma huge fan of ginger and soy I think this would be a total winner for us over here! Can't wait to try! xo