This healthy, aromatic dish is low in fat and carbs, but big on flavor. The best part is that this delicious dinner requires little clean up and can be on the table 30 minutes start to finish. Once you master the parchment wrapping technique for this recipe you can apply it to any variety of protein and vegetable combinations. The same is true for Chermoula, the sauce comes together in minutes, and provides a solid punch of flavor for this hands-off dinner recipe, but it also makes a delicious dressing, dip, marinade, or topping for grilled vegetables and chicken.
The Fish
Fish fillets, fish steaks, and crustaceans all work for this recipe. I’ve chosen barramundi for its moderate texture and mild flavor. Make sure to use a fish of similar thickness, such as tilapia, trout, sole or small crustaceans like shrimp or bay scallops. If you’d like to use a thicker cut fish like salmon, halibut or crustaceans like diver scallops, just add five minutes to the cooking time. You’ll know the fish is done when you touch the parchment from the outside and your finger doesn’t sink fully in—the fish will have some firmness to it. It doesn’t need to be completely firm to the touch because it will continue cooking for several additional minutes before you open the packet. Leaving the fish in the oven longer than the suggested cook time might result in an overcooked fillet. This recipe serves two. You can use either one large 8-ounce fillet cooked in a single packet or use two smaller 4-ounce pieces of fish baked in a single packet. This recipe can be easily doubled; the cook time will remain the same.
What is Chermoula?
This recipe’s flavors rely on a Moroccan sauce called chermoula. Fresh parsley and cilantro are blended with spices, lemon, and olive oil. You’ll have more chermoula than needed for this recipe, so you can use the leftovers on anything from grilled cheese to roast chicken or veggies. It keeps well in the fridge for up to one week and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Fish en Papillote
The technique of creating a parchment packet is called en papillote and it’s one that you can carry forth to other recipes once you’ve gotten the hang of it. Chicken, vegetables, and seafood can all be wrapped in parchment—it’s great for sealing in flavors and juices and provides your recipe with a beautiful presentation. It also works well for low-fat recipes that rely on fresh herbs for flavor. Aromatics when working with parchment are key because parchment baking is basically oven steaming, meaning the tightly folded package will bathe the ingredients in whatever you flavor them with. If you don’t have parchment on hand, you can use aluminum foil. Don’t use wax paper, which would melt in the oven. To make a parchment paper pouch big enough for this recipe, follow these steps:
Can You Make Fish en Papillote Ahead of Time?
This dish is best served fresh from the oven but can easily be prepped ahead of time. Fill your parchment with your fish, veggies, and sauce, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Because we’re working with raw fish, you don’t want to keep this unbaked in the fridge for more than one to two days before baking. Bring the parchment filled fish to room temperature before putting it in the oven so that it bakes evenly.
Best Side Dishes for Parchment Fish and Veggies
This dish is mostly protein and vegetables, so it will go great with a starchy side. I love serving it over couscous, rice, a mashed root veggie, a mixed grain pilaf or orzo.
More Flaky and Fragrant Fish Recipes
Crispy Fish Tacos With Red Cabbage Slaw Baked Bluefish Halibut with Fennel, Peppers, and Tomatoes Crispy Panko Fish Sticks Foil Baked Salmon with Leeks and Bell Peppers
Start at one end and fold the two pieces of parchment together pressing down to seal the folds while working your way around to the other side. Tuck your final fold underneath the parchment so the steam won’t escape while the fish is baking. If you’re finding it difficult to keep the parchment together you can staple it or use aluminum foil, especially if it’s your first time doing this. Though there is no twisting involved, the overall appearance will be slightly rolled or twisted looking. You should be able to press your thumb into the fish and your finger and be unable to push fully into it and create a dent; it should instead have a little bit of spring back. Remove from oven. Note that hot steam will escape when opening the parchment packet—that’s why it’s imperative to let it cool for a few minutes, so that the steam doesn’t burn you.
