Salmon en papillote is a French cooking technique where salmon is steamed in a parchment paper packet, locking in moisture and flavor for a tender, juicy result. This method not only ensures the fish is perfectly cooked, but it also allows the ingredients to infuse into the salmon, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish with minimal effort. It’s a great choice for a healthy, elegant meal that’s both quick to prepare and impressive to serve.
The beauty of salmon en papillote is in the simplicity of its ingredients. The salmon fillets are placed on a bed of fresh vegetables, such as sliced onions, zucchini, and bell peppers, which soften and release their flavors while the fish cooks. Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley are commonly used, adding fragrance and enhancing the natural flavor of the salmon. A squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil bring brightness and richness to the dish, while a touch of white wine or vegetable broth can be added to the packet for an extra layer of flavor.
The packet itself acts as a steamer, trapping the moisture from the salmon and vegetables, which allows the fish to cook in its own juices while absorbing all the aromatics inside. After baking in the oven for around 15-20 minutes, the parchment is opened, releasing a burst of steam and revealing perfectly cooked salmon with vegetables that are tender and infused with the essence of the fish and herbs.
Salmon en papillote is not only a delicious dish but also incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables and herbs based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. It’s also easy to make it a complete meal by serving it with a side of rice, quinoa, or a light salad. This method is a perfect way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home, with minimal clean-up and maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, salmon en papillote is a healthy, flavorful choice that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 fillet salmon about 6-8 oz
- 1 lemon whole, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 cup zucchini julienned
- 1/2 cup carrot julienned
- 2 teaspoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 sprig thyme fresh
- 1 sheet parchment paper about 15×15 inches
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place the parchment paper on a flat surface and fold it in half to create a crease. Open it back up.
- Place the salmon fillet on one half of the parchment paper near the crease.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon and season with salt and black pepper.
- Layer the lemon slices, minced garlic, julienned zucchini, and carrot on top of the salmon.
- Add the thyme sprig on top.
- Fold the other half of the parchment paper over the salmon and begin folding the edges to seal the packet. Ensure the packet is tightly sealed to allow the salmon to steam.
- Place the parchment packet on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let the packet rest for a couple of minutes before carefully opening. Be cautious of the steam.
- Serve the salmon en papillote directly from the parchment for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition
This was absolutely delicious! The flavors were so fresh and the salmon was perfectly cooked. My family loved it!
I don’t know, I followed the recipe but my salmon turned out dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?
Easy and quick. Who knew sealing things in paper could make food so fancy? Gonna impress my friends!
This was so good! The salmon came out super moist and full of flavor. Definitely a keeper!
I dunno, why would you cook in parchment? Seems weird. Can’t just use a pan?
Cooking in parchment is actually really cool! It keeps all the flavors in and the salmon stays moist. You should give it a try!
Salmon en Pap what now? Never heard of this before but gave it a shot. Not bad!
I love Salmon en Pap! It’s such an easy way to cook fish and keep it moist. Glad you gave it a try!
Is it really healthy with all that oil? I’m trying to eat better.
Wow! The lemon really brightens up the dish. My family loved it!
I agree! The lemon adds such a fresh flavor. Glad your family enjoyed it!
This was super easy to make and the salmon came out perfectly! Tasted amazing! 5 stars!
I don’t know… I followed the recipe but my salmon was kinda dry. Maybe I overcooked it?
It can definitely get dry if you overcook it! Try reducing the baking time a bit next time. Good luck!
Maybe try a lower temp? I usually do mine at 375F for a better outcome. Just a thought!
Soooo good! Lemon and garlic were the perfect combo. Will make again!
I put tomatoes in instead of zucchini, and it was still tasty. Cooking is about improvising, right?
Absolutely! Cooking is all about experimenting. Glad you enjoyed it with tomatoes! 🍅
So easy! I thought it was gonna be complicated but it was pretty simple and looks fancy!
I’m so glad you found it easy! It’s always nice to impress with simple recipes. Did you add anything extra?
Mine turned out dry. I think I overcooked it. Maybe 20 mins is too long?
Wow! I never knew cooking salmon could be this fancy. My family loved it!
Yum!! 😋
Tasted fine, but I couldn’t figure out the folding part. Some clear instructions would help.
nah, not for me. Fish just don’t taste good no matter how you cook it.
Recipe says thyme but I used rosemary instead like my grandmother did. Still yummy!
Rosemary sounds great! I love how cooking brings back memories. Would love to try your version!
Not sure rosemary works the same as thyme. Did it taste okay tho?
I tried this simple recipe but it made such a mess! Too much cleanup.