Salmon en Papillote ( Salmon in Parchment) Recipe
Easy and delicious Salmon en Papillote ready in just 30 minutes! This quick recipe features marinated salmon fillets baked to perfection with lemon slices and basil. Perfect for a healthy meal!
Preparing the salmon this way will guarantee you moist and tender fish, without filling your house with a fishy smell. You’ll be left with a delicious lunch or dinner to enjoy!
If you’re craving a lighter option, try our Mediterranean couscous salad with flaky salmon, or if you’re looking for a heartier meal, our creamy pesto gnocchi with succulent shrimp is a must-try, featuring tender gnocchi tossed in a creamy pesto sauce with juicy shrimp.
And if you don’t have potatoes and canned tuna at home, don’t worry! Our hearty tomato orzo with grilled salmon bites is a delicious and satisfying option.
Salmon en papillote is a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special occasion. It’s also a great option for those looking for a healthy and simple meal. The parchment paper helps to lock in moisture and flavour, so you can enjoy a juicy and tender piece of salmon every time.
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VIDEO: Watch us make the recipe
Why Cook en Papillote?
Cooking en papillote is a simple and healthy method that steams food in a parchment packet. This technique locks in moisture and flavors, resulting in tender, juicy dishes. Plus, it’s a convenient way to cook everything together, making cleanup a breeze!
Why this recipe works
This recipe works because it’s delicious and healthy and pairs wonderfully with sides like Cauliflower Steaks and creamy Tahini Sauce. It is a combination that is sure to impress! You can also enjoy it with roasted asparagus, buttery garlic green beans, kale, quinoa, bok choy, or other veggies, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients to make Salmon en Papillote
To prepare this recipe you need minimal ingredients and effort. You can make one packet for each member of the family and also you can two pieces of salmon for the adults. They can bake at the same time in one pan.
- Salmon fillets – are the main ingredient, and serve as a protein in this recipe.
- Lemon slices – give acidity and a wonderful aroma.
- Fresh basil leaves – pair well with the fish and provide a freshness.
- Olive oil – helps to keep the salmon moist during cooking.
- Soy sauce – brings an umami flavour and saltiness.
- Salt and pepper – are seasonings that help bring all flavours together.
Substitutes
Some ingredients can be easily replaced with your pantry availability and here are some suggestions:
- Salmon fillets – other types of fish can be used for this type of cooking like cod, trout, halibut, or tilapia fillets. Alternatively, you can use tofu slices or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Lemon slices – use lime, orange slices, or grapefruit slices instead. You can also use lemon zest or lemon juice for acidity and aroma.
- Fresh basil leaves – parsley, cilantro, dill, or tarragon leaves. You can also use dried basil, but use it with measure as it’s more potent than fresh basil.
- Olive oil – avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted butter. For a Mediterranean twist, you can use sunflower oil or canola oil mixed with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Soy sauce – tamari sauce (gluten-free alternative), coconut aminos (soy-free alternative), or Worcestershire sauce. You can also use fish sauce for a deeper umami taste, but adjust the quantity as it’s saltier than soy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – use sea salt or kosher salt for regular salt. For pepper, you can use ground black pepper, white pepper, or red pepper flakes for added heat. Alternatively, try using seasoning blends like Italian or Cajun seasoning for extra flavour.
Variations
Mediterranean Salmon: Top the salmon with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and capers. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Spicy Cajun Salmon: Rub the salmon with Cajun seasoning or a mixture of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add sliced bell peppers, onions, and corn kernels for extra flavour and heat.
Pesto Salmon: Spread a layer of basil pesto over the salmon fillets and top with cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella cheese. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before sealing the parchment packets.
Greek-inspired Salmon: Season the salmon with Greek seasoning or a blend of oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Top with sliced Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a splash of olive oil.
How to make Salmon en Papillote
This Salmon en Papillote recipe is a simple fish dish, which is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner for those busy weekdays – a family-friendly meal featuring fish and vegetables, baked to perfection for the healthiest meal.
Take a look at this step-by-step guide to making this delicious homemade recipe. The photos make it easy to follow along.
Step 1: Marinade the salmon then place it on a piece of parchment paper.
Step 2: Top the salmon with lemon slices.
Step 3: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Seal the paper bags and bake them for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Gently desseal the bag and serve with your favourite veggies, in my case Cauliflower Steaks.
Squeeze lemon juice on the salmon and enjoy!
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Pro Tips
Seal it Well: Make sure the parchment paper is tightly sealed to trap steam, ensuring the salmon stays moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overcook: Watch the cooking time closely; the salmon should be flaky and just cooked through, not dry.
Recipe FAQs
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Leftovers and storage
This salmon en papillote recipe is best consumed when freshly made. However, if you have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. You can make a nice egg fried rice for your next day’s lunch. I recommend removing the lemon slices before storing them as will give the fish a strong flavour of lemon.
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Salmon en Papillote Recipe
Equipment
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil: These are essential for creating the packets to cook the salmon. Parchment paper is the traditional choice, but aluminum foil can be used as an alternative.
- Baking sheet: A baking sheet is needed to place the prepared salmon packets while baking.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, each weighing 130 grams, totaling 520 grams. (about 18.3 ounces)
- Lemon slices
- Fresh basil leaves
For the marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and lemon juice to make the marinade. Add the salmon fillets to the marinade and let them marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Place each salmon fillet on a separate sheet of parchment paper, large enough to wrap the salmon.
- Place a lemon slice and a few basil leaves on top of each salmon fillet.
- Fold the parchment paper over the salmon fillet, starting from one end, and fold the edges to seal the packet. Repeat for all the salmon fillets.
- Place the salmon packets on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully open the packets, being cautious of the hot steam, and transfer the salmon to serving plates.
- Serve the salmon in papillote with the juices from the packets drizzled over the top.
Super flavorful and so easy to make, I do recommend this recipe to anyone that loves salmon and wants to try something new
Super easy recipe, love the addition of soy sauce. Also, loved the cauliflower steaks on the side. Served mine with simple aioli, which went well wth fish as well.
Who can refuse this salmon recipe? 🤤