Fish en Papillote

En Papillote is a cooking method where food is cooked wrapped in paper. Parchment paper is usually used but the good ole “tin foil” dinner might fall into this category as well. En Papillote is my no fail way of cooking fish. It is fast, easy, and the fish turns out perfect every time.
 
First start with a large piece of parchment paper – big enough to fold over the fish and all the vegetables you’ll be adding. Place your fish on one half of the paper. I live far from a coast, so I almost always purchased frozen. I place the frozen fish right on the paper.

Then I top it with vegetables. For the quickest of dinners just place some mixed frozen veggies on top of the fish. If you’ve got more time slice up some zucchini, summer squash, and peppers.

Sometimes I even add green olives; it doesn’t sound that great, but is delicious.

Then I put a little butter on the top and add some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and even a drizzle of lemon juice.

Next fold the paper over the fish and veggies and then start folding and turning the edges to create a seal.

Bake at 375 F for 12-15 minutes. The time depends on the thickness of fish you use. The fish should flake easily when it is done. Once you remove from the oven you can cut the packet open with a pair of kitchen shears and serve right from the packet. Or you can plate the fish and veggies.

Fish en Papillote (serves 4)

4 pieces firm fish such as cod, halibut, or tilapia (can use frozen or fresh)
2 cups mixed vegetables (zucchini, summer squash, onions, peppers or frozen mixed vegetables)
4 tsp butter
4 lemon slices
Salt and pepper
4 large sheets of parchment paper
 
Lay a sheet of parchment paper on baking dish. Place one piece of fish on parchment, top with ½ cup vegetables, 1 tsp butter, and a lemon slice. Shake some salt and pepper over the top. Fold the parchment paper of the top of the fish and vegetables. Started at a corner near the fold, turn and fold the parchment around the open edges to create a seal. Repeat layering of fish, vegetables, and spices for remaining 3 packets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. To serve place packet on plate and use a pair of kitchen shears or knife to cut open.