Name: Baked Sesame-Ginger Salmon in Parchment
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger; 1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 2 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced; 1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced; Four 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 lime, cut into wedges

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Let’s get real for a second. After a long day of work, errands, Zoom meetings, and maybe a rogue load of laundry you know what nobody wants to do?

Wash dishes. Not even one.

That’s where this recipe comes in hot (literally): baked sesame-ginger salmon in parchment paper, tucked in with tender zucchini and red onion, glazed in a bold, gingery soy sauce, and cooked to juicy perfection—all in its own steam-sealed little package.

There’s no pan to scrub. No oil to splatter. No cleanup beyond tossing the parchment in the trash (or compost bin, if you’re fancy).

It’s healthy, hearty, weeknight-friendly, and honestly, feels a little like magic. And yes—it’s ready in 30 minutes, start to finish.

Let me show you how to make this no-mess, all-flavor parchment salmon recipe that’ll have everyone at your table swooning and asking, “Wait, you cooked this on a Tuesday?”

What You’ll Need (Ingredients List)

Here’s what goes into your dreamy, steamy packets:

2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
1 pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, but gives it a nice kick)
2 large zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced
Four 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 lime, cut into wedges (you’ll want a squeeze of that fresh juice in each packet)

Psst… this also works great as a salmon foil packet alternative, but we’re keeping things classic and compostable with parchment paper here.

How to Make Baked Sesame-Ginger Salmon in Parchment

1: Preheat and Parchment Prep

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut out four large sheets of parchment paper—about 12-by-16 inches each. You want enough room to fold and seal the edges.

This is your canvas. Let’s build dinner.

2: Whip Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp honey
A pinch of red pepper flakes

This glossy, umami-packed Asian-inspired marinade is your flavor bomb. Trust me, it smells amazing already.

3: Veggie Bed

In the center of each parchment sheet, layer:

¼ of the zucchini slices
¼ of the red onion slices

This becomes your steam-roasted veggie bed—tender, sweet, and soaking in flavor.

Bonus points: it’s a total low-carb veggie side built right into your packet.

4: Add the Fish

Place one salmon fillet on top of the veggies. Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of your sauce right on top. Then hit it with:

A sprinkle of sesame seeds
A small squeeze of lime juice from your lime wedges

Looking for a little more flair? You can always try these Honey Garlic Salmon Bites instead →
www.virilerecipes.com/honey-garlic-salmon-bites

5: Fold and Seal

Fold the parchment over the salmon and roll or crimp the edges to seal tightly. Think of it like you’re wrapping a pastel-colored love letter to your tastebuds. You want zero leaks—this is steam-baked fish, baby!

Repeat for all four servings.

6: Bake and Steam

Place the packets on a baking sheet and pop them into your preheated oven.

Bake for 16–18 minutes.
Then let rest for 2 minutes before serving—hot steam will come pouring out when you open the packet, so handle with care.

7: Serve It Up

Serve the salmon en papillote straight in the packet for rustic vibes—or plate it up with all the fixings.

Either way, no one’s touching a saucepan tonight.

Serving Ideas & Light Pairings

This salmon can totally fly solo—it’s got veggies and protein built right in. But if you’re feeling a little fancy or feeding a crowd, here are some winners:

Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad – fresh, juicy, and a cool contrast to the warm glaze
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites – an elegant appetizer that won’t outshine the main
Side of jasmine rice or cauliflower rice
Crusty bread to mop up that soy-honey glaze (do it, no shame)

Looking for more savory-sweet pairings? Try this Honey Garlic Chicken for next week’s dinner lineup.

Baked sesame-ginger salmon fillet served with zucchini and onions on a gray plate, styled with black sesame seeds and text overlay “Baked Sesame-Ginger Salmon in Parchment”

This one checks all the right boxes:
Low-carb recipe
Gluten-free dinner
High-protein fish
Omega-3 rich meal
Diabetic-friendly dinner
Anti-inflammatory diet approved

This is truly clean eating fish recipe gold.

Flavor Variations & Pro Tips

Want a Southern twist? Swap the marinade for this crispy Hillbilly Fish Fry Seasoning blend. Think bold, rustic, crunchy edges.
Add heat with sriracha or chili oil.
Not into salmon? You can sub in halibut or trout—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Don’t toss leftovers—flake salmon into a rice bowl or make a cold salmon salad for lunch.
Trying to mix things up? Add thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for a colorful parchment vegetable medley.

Need more inspiration? Add Asian flair with our Trader Joe’s Fish Recipe too.

Editorial Note

We estimate nutrition info with help from Edamam. While we aim for accuracy, your ingredients and portions may vary—especially if you’re tossing in extra honey or doubling that soy drizzle (no judgment).

This post was whipped up with love by the team at Virile Recipes—your go-to crew for no-dish meal ideas, bold flavors, and recipes that feel like a warm hug with a ginger kick.

Why This Recipe Wins Every Time

This baked sesame-ginger salmon in parchment is my go-to when I want something chef-y without all the fuss.

It’s:

Steamed, sealed, and oven-sealed for flavor
Done in 30 minutes, tops
Packed with Asian-inspired marinade goodness
Clean, light, and feel-good
Super easy to scale up or meal prep
And best of all: NO DISHES TO WASH

Oh, and if you’ve got picky eaters? Hand them their own packet and let them open it like a present. It’s dinner and a show.

Hungry for More?

Next up, try our:

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites for crispy, caramelized edges
Black Pepper Chicken Recipe for another Asian-inspired favorite

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Baked Sesame-Ginger Salmon in Parchment

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