Description
Delicate “Fish en Papillote” unveils Mediterranean magic through tender fish steamed in parchment with aromatic herbs. Delightful aromas and elegant presentation promise an effortless culinary experience you’ll savor with each perfectly infused bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 fillets white fish (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia), about 6 ounces (170 grams) each
- 2 cups (200 grams) thinly sliced vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh herbs (such as dill, thyme, or parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sheets parchment paper (about 15x15 inches each)
Instructions
- Ignite the oven, calibrating the temperature precisely to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring an ideal cooking environment for delicate fish preparation.
- Select a generous sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, large enough to fully encase the fish fillet with room for culinary magic to unfold.
- Place the chosen fish fillet in the center of the paper, positioning it with careful precision for optimal cooking.
- Artfully arrange fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley across the surface of the fish, creating a fragrant herbal landscape.
- Scatter thin slices of lemon or orange around and over the fish, allowing citrus notes to infuse the protein with bright, zesty undertones.
- Delicately drizzle high-quality olive oil or melted butter over the fish, ensuring even coverage that will enhance moisture and flavor.
- Sprinkle a measured blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a balanced seasoning profile.
- Carefully fold the parchment paper or foil, creating a sealed packet that will trap steam and preserve the fish’s delicate texture.
- Crimp and fold the edges meticulously, creating a tight seal that prevents moisture from escaping during the cooking process.
- Transfer the elegant packet to a baking sheet, positioning it centrally in the preheated oven.
- Allow the fish to roast for approximately 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet, until the fish becomes opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the packet rest for a brief moment before carefully opening to release the aromatic steam.
- Serve immediately, presenting the fish directly from its flavorful parchment cocoon for a dramatic and appetizing reveal.
Notes
- Seal the parchment paper tightly to trap steam and preserve delicate fish moisture, preventing dryness during cooking.
- Select fresh, high-quality white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass for the most tender and delicate texture in this technique.
- Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent tenderness alongside the fish in the sealed packet.
- Use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to cut parchment paper into heart-shaped packets for an elegant and traditional French en papillote presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg