Description
Delicate herb-infused fish en papillote brings Mediterranean elegance to dinner tables with its simple yet sophisticated technique. Delicate parchment packets seal in fresh flavors, creating an aromatic meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 0.75 lb (340 g) cod or snapper filet
- 2 shallots (1 thinly sliced, 1 finely chopped)
- 0.5 bulb fennel, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 handful mixed fresh herbs (tarragon, dill, parsley)
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest, finely ground
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 pinches black pepper
Instructions
- Compound Butter Preparation: Blend softened butter with shallots, lemon zest, dill, kosher salt, and black pepper until smoothly combined. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut parchment paper sheets large enough to fully enclose fish with extra border space, creating individual packets for multiple servings.
- Packet Construction: Layer thin fennel and shallot slices on one half of parchment paper, creating a delicate vegetable foundation. Position fish fillet atop vegetables, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Flavor Layering: Adorn fish with shallot butter medallions, lemon slices, and fresh herbs. For butterflied fish, tuck additional herbs inside. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil to enhance moisture and complexity.
- Sealing and Cooking: Fold parchment over fish, crimping edges to create a tight, sealed packet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish reaches 145°F (63°C) at its thickest point, verified with an instant-read thermometer.
- Serving: Remove from oven, allow brief resting. Carefully cut open parchment to release aromatic steam, serving immediately within the fragrant packet.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Compound butter can be made up to 3 days in advance, stored in an airtight container, saving precious cooking time.
- Seal Technique: Carefully crimp parchment edges to create an airtight seal, preventing steam from escaping and ensuring even, moist cooking.
- Temperature Check: Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm fish reaches 145°F, guaranteeing perfect doneness and food safety.
- Herb Freshness: Select vibrant, fragrant herbs at peak quality to maximize flavor infusion during the delicate cooking process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg