Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil is the perfect dish for any occasion. This vibrant recipe combines the rich flavors of honey and lime with fresh cilantro, resulting in a deliciously flaky salmon fillet. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your family. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Cooking Time: This dish cooks in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The garlic and honey lime glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the salmon.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this salmon recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Easy Clean-Up: Cooking in foil minimizes mess, allowing for easy clean-up afterward.
- Versatile Accompaniment: Serve with rice, vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal that fits any occasion.

Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this flavorful recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace for an effortless cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents spills.
- Aluminum foil: Foil locks in moisture, keeping the salmon tender while also aiding clean-up.
- Mixing bowl: Using a mixing bowl allows you to easily combine the sauce ingredients without mess.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1 large salmon fillet (see note)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
For the 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. Lay the salmon fillet on the foil and season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Slip the thin lime slices underneath the salmon to infuse 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 flavorful mixture over the seasoned salmon evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Fold the sides of the foil up over the salmon; don’t worry if it doesn’t cover it completely. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through. For an extra touch, switch your oven to broil mode and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once done, carefully remove from the oven. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top of your baked honey cilantro lime salmon before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides!
How to Serve Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
Serving baked honey cilantro lime salmon in foil is an excellent way to impress your guests or enjoy a delightful meal at home. The vibrant flavors and enticing aroma make this dish a centerpiece on any table.
Pair with Fresh Salad
- A light mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the salmon’s flavors beautifully.
Serve with Rice
- Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the delicious honey lime sauce, making every bite satisfying.
Accompany with Steamed Vegetables
- Brightly colored steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus add nutrition and a pop of color to your plate.
Garnish with Extra Cilantro
- Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top enhances the dish’s presentation and adds an aromatic touch.
Enjoy with Avocado Slices
- Creamy avocado slices provide a rich texture that balances the salmon’s sweetness.
How to Perfect Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
To achieve the best results when making baked honey cilantro lime salmon in foil, follow these expert tips for guaranteed perfection.
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Tailor the salt, pepper, and lime juice to suit your flavor preferences.
- Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the salmon while baking to avoid overcooking; it should be tender and flaky.
- Use High-Quality Honey: Select pure, high-quality honey for richer flavor in your glaze.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like parsley or dill for added depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
Baked honey cilantro lime salmon pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that matches well with salmon. -
Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables offers a healthy and protein-packed complement. -
Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob brushed with lime butter echoes the flavors of the salmon perfectly. -
Couscous Pilaf
Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs and lemon zest makes for a light and flavorful side dish. -
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes roasted until caramelized provide a sweet contrast to the tangy fish. -
Sautéed Spinach
Quick sautéed spinach drizzled with olive oil is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. -
Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness to balance out the richness of the salmon. -
Grilled Zucchini
Zucchini grilled until charred brings out its natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with fish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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seasoning: Not seasoning the salmon properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and pepper.
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Wrong oven temperature: Baking at too low a temperature may result in undercooked fish. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees for even cooking.
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Ignoring the foil: Skipping the use of foil can dry out the salmon. Wrapping in foil helps retain moisture for tender, flaky fish.
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Overcooking: Cooking too long will make the salmon tough. Aim for 15-20 minutes of baking, then broil for a perfect finish.
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Neglecting garnishes: Forgetting to add cilantro at the end misses an opportunity for fresh flavor. Always top your salmon with fresh herbs just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
- Wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covered, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil that may help you with your cooking journey.
How To Make Salmon With Lime?
To make salmon with lime, mix lime juice, honey, garlic, and butter as a glaze. Pour it over seasoned salmon before baking.
How To Cook Salmon With Lime?
Cooking salmon with lime involves marinating or glazing it with lime juice and other ingredients before baking or grilling it.
What Can I Substitute For Fresh Cilantro?
If you don’t have cilantro, parsley or basil can be used as substitutes. They offer different flavors but still complement salmon well.
Is This Recipe Healthy?
Yes! Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein while being low in carbs, making it a healthy option.
Final Thoughts
Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests. Give it a try; you’ll love how easy it is!
Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil
Baked Honey Cilantro Lime Salmon in Foil is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe beautifully blends sweet honey, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro to create a succulent salmon fillet. Ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties, this dish promises to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. With a quick cooking time of just 30 minutes and minimal cleanup thanks to foil cooking, you can focus on enjoying your meal rather than stressing about preparation. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon fillet
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- Juice of 2 limes (plus one lime, thinly sliced)
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ⅓ cup cilantro (roughly chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and grease lightly.
- Place the salmon on the foil, season with salt and pepper, and tuck lime slices underneath.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lime juice, honey, and garlic until smooth. Pour over the salmon.
- Fold the foil around the salmon loosely to seal in moisture and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- For an added touch, broil for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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