Description
Delightful fish en papillote invites seafood enthusiasts into a French culinary tradition of elegant, steamed perfection. Delicate fillets nestled with fresh herbs and vegetables emerge from parchment parcels with exceptional flavor and tender texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 fillets white fish (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia), about 6 oz (170 g) each
- 2 cups (200 g) thinly sliced vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus)
- 4 tbsps olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 sprigs fresh herbs (such as dill, thyme, or parsley)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 sheets parchment paper (about 15x15 inches each)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F, positioning rack in the center for uniform heat distribution.
- Packet Creation: Lay out a parchment paper or aluminum foil sheet large enough to fully envelop the fish fillet, creating a protective culinary pouch.
- Flavor Layering: Centered on the paper, position the fish fillet and generously adorn with fresh dill, thyme, and parsley, followed by delicate citrus slices of lemon and orange.
- Seasoning Technique: Drizzle olive oil or melted butter across the fish, then sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Sealing Process: Carefully fold the paper edges, crimping and folding to create an airtight seal that will lock in moisture and aromatics during cooking.
- Baking Method: Transfer the sealed packet to a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with minimal resistance.
- Serving Presentation: Remove from oven, allow a brief resting moment, then dramatically open the packet tableside, releasing a burst of herbal and citrus-infused steam.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Fish: Select high-quality, fresh fish fillets with uniform thickness for even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
- Herb Selection Matters: Use fresh herbs instead of dried to provide vibrant, aromatic notes that complement the fish’s delicate texture.
- Perfect Sealing Technique: Create an airtight packet by folding edges tightly, ensuring steam remains trapped to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
- Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Adjust cooking duration based on fish thickness—typically 8-12 minutes—to prevent overcooking and preserve tender, flaky consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg