She Strengthens

Cooking Fish in Parchment Paper: A Simple yet Impressive Technique

Why This Method Stands Out

Impress your dinner guests with a unique and flavorful way of cooking fish. Steaming fish in parchment paper is a healthy and easy method that yields a deliciously moist dish. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a stunning meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Getting Started

Before you begin, make sure to have the following ingredients and materials:

• 1 (6-ounce) firm-fleshed white-fish fillet (such as halibut, cod, or haddock)
• Parchment paper (about 17 by 11 inches)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Bay leaf and fresh herbs (optional)
• Unsalted butter
• Lemon slices
• Dry white wine or water

Preparing the Parchment Package

Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Draw out a large piece of parchment paper and fold it in half from left to right. Cut out a large heart shape, making sure it’s big enough to hold the fish fillet with a 1-1/2-inch border around it.

Adding the Flavors

Place the fish in the center of one half of the parchment heart. Drizzle with half of the olive oil, rubbing it all over the fillet, and season with salt and pepper. Add half of the bay leaf and a few sprigs of herbs (if using) on top of the fish. Break the butter into little pieces and arrange them on top of the herbs. Place the lemon slices over everything and drizzle with the remaining oil.

Sealing the Package

Fold the parchment heart over to cover the fish, making sure the edges line up. Starting at the rounded end, crimp the edges together, folding them over themselves and leaving the last two inches at the pointed end unfolded. Slightly tilt the package up and pour in the wine or water. Finish crimping the edges, then twist the pointed end around once and fold the “tail” under.

Baking and Serving

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes for a 3/4-inch-thick fillet or 12 minutes for a 1- to 1-1/4-inch-thick fillet. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the parchment package to a dinner plate. Serve immediately, cutting into the parchment tableside using scissors or a knife. As you cut through the parchment, a puff of steam rises, adding to the drama and excitement of the dish.

Tips and Variations

You can prepare the parchment package ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 6 hours. Simply bake as directed when you’re ready to serve. Feel free to customize the recipe by using different herbs, spices, or citrus slices to suit your taste. With this simple yet impressive technique, you’ll be sure to wow your dinner guests and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal.