Fish en Papillote
Over a decade ago
I took a knife skills class and it was by far one of the helpful things I’ve ever done for myself. It made me significantly more confident and efficient in the kitchen and since that class I’ve never looked back. We made a few things in the class but what was most memorable was the fish in parchment paper. I haven’t stopped making this since the class because it’s so easy and lends itself to varied ingredients depending on what’s in your fridge. I love serving this with roasted veggies and potatoes as the juices from the fish blend perfectly with the other items on your plate. Keep reading for the how to!
Ingredients:
This serves 2 but you can either halve or double the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving!
1lb fish cut into 2-4 smallish pieces depending on how wide/long they are. I love wild salmon, fluke, sea bass, etc.
1 small lemon cut into slices
1 tbsp butter (grass fed if you can find!) cut into 4 small squares
a few sprigs thyme or rosemary
salt and pepper
2 cups spinach
parchment paper
stapler with staples or a few paperclips
Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Tear out 2 pieces of parchment paper each about 18” long and fold it in half.
Slice fish into 2-4 pieces if necessary - you want them on the smaller size so they cook evenly.
On the bottom half add a handful of spinach to each.
Layer on a piece of fish, then a lemon, then a pat of butter, an sprig or two of whichever herb you’re using, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Fold the other half of paper over the layers and starting at one corner begin to make little folds one on top of each other - sealing off the fish so it’s in a little paper bubble. You will likely have to use a few paper clips or staples to get it to hold firm. It doesn’t have to be perfect and you will get better at it each time I promise!
Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top starts to bubble up. Remove from oven and carefully poke a hole to open it up.
Using a spatula slide the contents onto each plate, add your sides and enjoy! If you’re serving this at a dinner party, for a dramatic effect you could serve each person their own parchment packet on a plate and they an open themselves.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do! I find it equally satisfying to make as it is to eat. I think it’s one of the best ways to cook fish evenly. If you make this and love it be sure to tag me on Instagram @AshleyPattenPilates and/or comment below!
xx, Ashley