1-First Step: Let the salmon warm up a bit Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. This small step helps it cook more evenly, especially when your salmon is straight from the fridge. While it rests, you can prep your lemons, garlic, and herbs.

2-Second Step: Preheat and prep the foil packet setup Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat with baking spray. This is where your salmon in foil starts to shine. The foil-lined pan prevents sticking and makes folding the packet easier and less messy.

3-Third Step: Build the flavor base on the foil Arrange 2 sprigs rosemary down the center of the foil. Thinly slice 1 lemon and place half of the slices over the rosemary. This creates a fragrant “nest” so the salmon stays juicy as it bakes.

4-Fourth Step: Add salmon, then season and coat Place the salmon on top of the rosemary and lemon slices. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and rub to coat. Then scatter 4 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped, over the salmon. Garlic in foil bakes into something mellow and sweet, not sharp or raw.

5-Fifth Step: Top with the remaining herbs and lemon Top with the remaining rosemary sprigs and lemon slices. Juice the second lemon and pour the juice over the top. That lemon juice helps keep baked salmon in foil recipe results tender, especially if your salmon is thicker.

6-Sixth Step: Seal into a packet (but don’t suffocate it) Fold the foil sides over the salmon to seal into a packet, allowing some air circulation. If you need more room, use extra foil.

7-Seventh Step: Bake until just done Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, based on thickness. Since thickness matters most, start checking near the low end if your salmon is about 1 inch thick or less. Best doneness targets: internal temp should hit 145°F. Or, pull at 137°F to 140°F and let it rest to finish cooking. The salmon should flake easily when ready.

8-Final Step: Broil for color, then rest and serve Open the foil carefully, watching for steam. Broil uncovered for about 3 minutes to brown the top and garlic, and watch closely so it doesn’t go from golden to overdone. Rest tented with foil if needed. It’s done when it flakes easily. Once you’ve got that tender flake, serve right away with extra lemon if you want.