The past week and a half has been a ride, and this fish en papillote (steamed in parchment) has been my saving grace.

Eleven days ago, I went through a server migration for this blog. I wish I could say the transition was smooth, but it wasn’t. It was nightmarish.

As if all of that computer-y techy stuff wasn’t bad enough, eleven days ago was also when I kickstarted my Elimination Diet in an attempt to try and sort out a possible food sensitivity. I haven’t been eating nuts, grains (rice, quinoa, etc.), legumes or beans, nightshades (tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes or peppers of any sort), citrus, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat or gluten and, much to my chagrin, no coffee. *collar tug* So basically, throughout all of that stress, I couldn’t even turn to pizza or beer to ease the pain.

Fact: carrot sticks don’t ease the pain.

I did however manage to survive, and I’m happy to report that I feel better than ever. Also, in a fit of desperation one evening while feeling deprived of ingredients, I created this Mediterranean Fish en Papillote, and I’ve had it three times in the last 11 days.

Fish steamed in parchment is just SO. DAMN. EASY.

If you like fish, you need this; if you aren’t crazy about fish, this might be a turning point.

Mediterranean Fish en Papillote | Killing Thyme

En papillote is French for “in parchment”. This method of cooking is deceiving because though it looks and sounds fancy, it’s a cinch to put together. The parcel of parchment is sealed by overlapping folds around the fillet (video below).

I love roasted or grilled fish, but steaming fish in parchment paper is a whole new level of awesome that needs to be indulged once in a while. When you bake the fish, it steams to a perfect flakiness while sitting in the juices of whatever you add to the packet locking in flavor and moisture. The fun part is you’re given free rein, so you can keep it simple or make it as complex as you want. It’s common to steam fish alongside lemon slices, fresh herbs and a splash of wine; I’d like to experiment with beer this summer. The possibilities are endless and the process is fuss-free; dishes like this deserve the highest of fives.

The best way to serve these bad boys is to keep them sealed so that each individual gets to tear their parcel open at the table, like a little gift, and enjoy the aroma that releases from the pouch. This is a fab idea if you’re hosting a dinner party.

Here’s another variation that I love, with soy and ginger!

Mediterranean Fish en Papillote | Killing Thyme

If you make this recipe, I’d love to know! Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram: @Killing__Thyme /#killingthyme

Mediterranean Fish en Papillote {Fish Steamed in Parchment}

This Mediterranean Fish en Papillote is quite literally *packed* with flavor. Sealed up in parchment paper with briny olives and marinated artichokes, this cod is steamed to perfection.
4.86 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 2
Author: Dana Sandonato

Ingredients

  • 2 6 oz fillets of white fish skinless + boneless
  • 1 cup marinated artichokes
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives
  • 2 teaspoons capers drained
  • A few slices of red onion
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dry Rub

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Materials

  • 2 sheets of parchment paper
  • If doing the folded-pouch method, egg wash for sealing parchment
  • If doing the tied-pouch method, Butcher's twine for tying the ends of the packets

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Parchment Packet Method #1: Folded Pouch.

  • Place each fish fillet on one side of each segment of parchment. Sprinkle each fillet with the dry rub. Use as much or as little as you prefer. You can store any leftovers for another time. I tend to sprinkle each fillet with 1 - 2 teaspoons of the seasoning.
  • Arrange the olives, artichokes, onions and capers over the fillets. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each fillet.
  • Brush the edges of each paper with the egg wash (optional) for a tighter seal. Fold the parchment paper over the fillet to close it in and press the edges down. Begin to tightly fold the open edge of the paper on one end and, inch by inch, continue to fold around the fillet. 

Parchment Packet Method #2: Tied Pouch.

  • Place each fish fillet in the center of each piece of parchment. Sprinkle each fillet with the dry rub. Use as much or as little as you prefer. I tend to sprinkle each fillet with 1 - 2 teaspoons of the seasoning.
  • Arrange the olives, artichokes, onions and capers over the fillets. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each fillet.
  • Fold one side of the parchment over the fillet; bring the other side over, completely covering the fillet, and one by one, twist the ends of the parchment paper and tie some Butcher's twine around them to secure. (See notes for link to my how-to post.)

To Bake.

  • Transfer the packets to a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 12 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque, flake easily, and reach an internal temperature of 145° F.
  • When done, remove from oven and transfer packets to plate. Allow people to open their own packets to experience the steam and aroma that emerges from the pouch.

Notes

How to cook fish in parchment paper: https://www.killingthyme.net/cooking-fish-101/how-to-cook-fish-in-parchment-paper/