Salmon in Foil

MAINS
Written By Azusa
 
salmon in foil
 

Salmon in Foil Recipe - A Taste of Japan Fall

When the autumn season rolls in, ingredients like sweet potatoes, salmon, and mushrooms come to mind, evoking the comforting flavors of home. One dish that holds a special place in my heart is Salmon in Foil (鮭のホイル焼き), a simple yet flavorful meal that I enjoyed frequently while growing up in Japan.

Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also results in minimal cleanup since everything is cooked in a foil packet. The salmon comes out perfectly tender, infused with the umami of soy sauce and the freshness of yuzu juice. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s ready to eat in just 20 minutes. Whether you're new to Japanese cooking or a seasoned home cook, this dish is a quick, delicious way to bring Japanese flavors into your kitchen.

RECIPE

Servings: 1

Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

  • 1 salmon fillet

  • 1/8 onion (thinly sliced)

  • Shimeji mushrooms (about 1 handful, broken apart)

  • 1 scallion (chopped)

  • Salt (to taste)

  • 1 tsp sake

  • 1 tsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp yuzu juice (optional, for a citrusy touch)

  • 1 tsp butter

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the onion and break the shimeji mushrooms apart. Chop the scallion.

  2. Assemble the Foil Packet: Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the counter. Layer the sliced onion on the bottom, followed by the salmon fillet. Lightly sprinkle salt over the salmon.

  3. Add the Mushrooms: Arrange the shimeji mushrooms on top of the salmon.

  4. Season the Salmon: Drizzle the sake, soy sauce, and yuzu juice over the salmon and vegetables. Place a teaspoon of butter on top of the salmon.

  5. Seal the Foil Packet: Fold the foil over the salmon, crimping the edges to seal it tightly.

  6. Cook: Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and cook in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.

  7. Garnish and Serve: After cooking, open the foil packet carefully, sprinkle the chopped scallion over the salmon, and serve immediately.

 

Tips for Salmon in Foil:

  • Customize the Veggies: Add other fall vegetables like carrots or spinach for more variety.

  • No Yuzu? No Problem: Substitute lemon juice if you can’t find yuzu. It still adds a lovely brightness to the dish.

  • Steam to Perfection: Sealing the foil packet well ensures the salmon steams to tender perfection, so don’t skip this step.

  • What can I serve with Salmon in Foil?
    This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a side of miso soup for a complete Japanese-inspired meal.

  • Can I use other types of mushrooms?
    Yes! If you can’t find shimeji mushrooms, shiitake or enoki mushrooms work well too.

 
 
Azusa
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