This easy baked salmon in a bag is bursting with flavor and moisture, you wouldn't believe how easy it is and that it takes just 25 minutes. It's cooked in parchment paper to maintain moisture without any effort. Plus, it's got the easiest clean up ever.
[This salmon in a bag recipe was originally posted in November 2018. It has been updated with new photos, cooking instructions, expert tips, FAQ, related recipes, video and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
Table of contents
How will this quick baked salmon make your life easier?
This baked salmon in a 'bag' is cooked in parchment paper that turns into a bag to keep all the moisture inside. You can use an oven bag, but parchment paper is probably in more kitchens and easy to use.
This baked salmon in a bag requires just a few easy slices of vegetables and a couple ingredients that can be assembled directly in the bag. It's assembled in just 5-10 minutes, and requires nearly no clean-up. it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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What makes this salmon so good?
- Salmon
- Potato
- Seasonal vegetables
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Italian seasonings
How do I make baked salmon in a paper bag?
Start to make your baked salmon in a 'bag' by preheating the oven to 425 degrees F. Thinly slice a russet potato, vegetables, and ½ lemon. Set aside. Slice them thinly so they cook quickly.
Set one long piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
Place thinly sliced potatoes on parchment paper (and flat vegetables if any), then place 4 oz salmon fillet on top of potatoes, skin side down. Top with other vegetables, if any.
Drizzle olive oil, red wine vinegar*, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of each salt & pepper over salmon. Place lemon slices from lemon on top of salmon.
To close packet, fold parchment paper over salmon and vegetables, then tuck one corner under itself, continue to fold paper at an angle so it's tightly secured. Tuck final piece of paper under whole packet so it's secure. Refer to photo above.
Place in oven, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until vegetables are fork tender, or cut easily with your fork. Salmon will be done cooking by this point. Serve your baked salmon in a 'bag' and enjoy.
Substitutions/Tips
- Thinly sliced potatoes will cook fastest.
- Swap salmon for any other similarly thick fish fillet.
- Swap russet potatoes for yukon gold, fingerling, or red potatoes.
- Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, onions, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc
- Swap red wine vinegar for white wine, chicken broth, or white wine vinegar.
- Other great add-ins: add extra potatoes/vegetables, place a pat of butter on top of salmon, parmesan cheese.
FAQ
You can cook salmon in a sealed OVEN SAFE bag or in parchment paper by adding salmon, vegetables, a bit of liquid, and any other seasonings to your bag/parchment paper. Seal it off and bake on a baking sheet.
This salmon in a bag recipe is a good example of how to bake it.
Fish should be cooked to 145 degrees (internal temperature). Check temp in the thickest part with an instant read thermometer or other thermometer.
Bake vegetables with your baked salmon to make for a quick and easy dinner + clean up. Any vegetable is great with baked salmon. serve baked salmon with pasta, potatoes or over greens for a salad.
If you've eaten salmon, you've probably seen that sliver of grey salmon between the pink meat and the skin. This grey meat may have more intense flavor than other parts, but is safe and ok to eat.
How can I repurpose this baked salmon?
- Serve it over pasta
- Serve it with mashed potatoes
- Shred salmon and add to a salad
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
- Salmon: Sheet Pan Maple Mustard Salmon, Pan Seared Salmon w/ Summer Salad
- Potatoes: Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Winter Vegetables
- Lemon: Pan Seared Salmon w/ Summer Salad, 5 Minute Strawberry Sauce, Sparkling Berry Lemonade, Passion Tea Lemonade, Corn & Zucchini Salad, Beet & Arugula Salad, and Red White & Blue Popsicles.
Did you make this baked salmon in a bag? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Easy Baked Salmon in a Bag
Equipment
- knife
- cutting board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Parchment Paper
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 4 ounce wild salmon fillet thawed
- ½ whole potato yukon gold or russet
- 1 cup chopped seasonal vegetables zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage, etc
- ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white wine
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasonings
- salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Thinly slice ½ russet potato, 1 c vegetables, and ½ lemon. Set aside.
- Set one long piece of parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
- Place slices of ½ potato on parchment paper (and flat vegetables if any), then place 4 oz salmon filet on top of potatoes, skin side down. Top with other vegetables, if any.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar*, ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of each salt & pepper over salmon. Place lemon slices from ½ lemon on top of salmon.
- To close packet, fold parchment paper over salmon and vegetables, then tuck one corner under itself, continue to fold paper at an angle so it's tightly secured. Tuck final piece of paper under whole packet so it's secure. You're essentially folding each side onto the last side you folded. That ensures it's all closed up. Refer to photo of enclosed packet for how it's supposed to look before it goes in the oven.
- Place in oven, and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until vegetables are fork tender, or cut easily with your fork. Salmon will be done cooking by this point. Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- Thinly sliced potatoes will cook fastest.
- Swap russet potatoes for yukon gold, fingerling, or red potatoes.
- Use seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, onions, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, etc
- Swap red wine vinegar for white wine, chicken broth, or white wine vinegar.
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Liz says
Gosh you do make it look so easy! I guess there are no excuses for me now for not eating more salmon!
Rebecca says
thanks Liz! Same here, no reason to not
Abbey Sharp says
I'm so curious! I've cooked fish on parchment paper but never wrapped up like that! This is a must try 🙂
Rebecca says
ya try it! it seals in all the moisture & flavor... it's amazing
Mikki says
I'm with you. I don't eat much fish but when I do, it's salmon.
I haven't cooked in parchment paper, but may have to try it now.
Rebecca says
try it! it's super easy & delicious & seems fancier than it really is
Rachel says
This looks so easy -- like maybe even I could do it! 😉
I'm terrified of cooking fish so my husband's the one who cooks those meals!
Rebecca says
haha! I feel ya! and yes this is so easy, you can totally do it
Jessica @Small Bites by Jessica says
This makes me want to make salmon right NOW! 🙂 Love how easy you made it!
Rebecca says
I know, right? it makes me want to make it again right now!
Brittany Poulson says
I've never cooked salmon in parchment paper before, but I do cook it in tin foil often and love it that way. I'll have to try out this method next time!
Rebecca says
I havent cooked salmon in tin foil, I'll have to try it & compare 🙂 or you do that & let me know
Deborah Brooks says
The rest of my family loves salmon and I could make it for them this way! Thanks for the easy recipe
Rebecca says
ya! let me know how it turns out 🙂
Michelle Hartgraves says
Such an easy recipe, I am going to have to make it for my hubby!
Rebecca says
ya do it! let me know how it turns out 🙂
[email protected] A Dash of Cinnamon says
This is so easy! I used to make a lot of foil wrapped meals in the oven/over the fire such as this, but it looks like it works well with parchment paper too!
Rebecca says
ya! and tin foil dinners are awesome, aren't they?!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says
I make this all the time and I'm obsessed with it! It comes out so perfectly cooked.
Rebecca says
Woo! I don't know why I haven't made it before! it's foolproof!
Farrah says
Yay!! Salmon is one of my favorite proteins ever! This looks delicious! <3 I need to try using parchment paper!
Rebecca says
yes! try it! It's so easy 🙂
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
i love this technique. I don't cook fish at home nearly enough. And omg, about the blurry video! That has happened to me too! it is so frustrating!
Rebecca says
Same here, all around! and yes, I'm afraid to watch the one I just shot-eek
Kristen says
I am always looking for easy salmon recipes! Looks delicious!
Rebecca says
yes! this is so easy & delicious! hope you like it 🙂
Tammy says
This is one of my favorite ways to cook fish. It's super easy..looks delicious! Love your photos 🙂
Rebecca says
same! it's so good & easy. and thanks!
Jenn says
What a delicious recipe! I tried it and adapted it without the potato, to make it keto. Thanks for the step-by-step instructions. I felt like a pro!
Rebecca says
awesome to hear! thanks
ali randall says
This is one of my favorite ways to make salmon and I always stick to this recipe because it works. The salmon always tastes delicious!
Rebecca says
it's soo easy! thanks
Beth says
I loved making salmon like this! No cleanup, and the salmon stays so moist and juicy! Thanks for the inspiration!
Rebecca says
isn't the no cleanup part the best?! yum
Suzy says
The perfect way to make salmon! comes out so moist and tender! Love it!
Rebecca says
totally agree! thanks
Scarlet says
I have heard that works really well to bake salmon in a bag because it keeps it so moist and flavorful. I need to try it.
Rebecca says
exactly! you totally do, it's so good & easy