Fish en Papillote (Fish in Parchment Paper)
This Thai-style Paleo fish en papillote recipe is buttery, flaky, light, and lemony, wrapped in parchment paper and half-baked/half-steamed with crispy garlic. This Paleo fish recipe takes little hands-on time, is full of flavor, and is Whole30, Keto, AIP, and gluten-free. Perfect no-prep meal for seafood lovers!
This Thai-style Paleo fish en papillote recipe is buttery, flaky, light, and lemony, wrapped in parchment paper and half-baked/half-steamed with crispy garlic. This Paleo fish recipe takes little hands-on time, is full of flavor, and is Whole30, Keto, AIP, and gluten-free. Perfect no-prep meal for seafood lovers!
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- â¾ lbs white fish fillet such as sea bass (halibut or cod (boneless and skinless))
- 1-2 bulbs chopped scallions
- 1 lemongrass stalk*
- 1.5 tbsp red boat fish sauce
- 1 large shallot (finely chopped)
- 1 red fresno or serrano chili pepper (seeds removed finely chopped (optional))
- black pepper to taste (optional)
- 6 large garlic cloves (sliced finely lengthways)
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 17.3750000014473 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 2.08442000019985 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (22g)
- Sodium 1744.17750000003 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0.707395000039194 g
- Calories 154 calories
Step-by-step
- Sauce: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Remove the tough outer part of lemongrass. Cut off the green color top part and only use the white bulbous part. Use a small bottle or meat pounder to pound the lemongrass a few times until it's in flat shape then finely chop them. Combine all ingredients under “Sauce”. Set aside.
- Next, fold the paper over so the two ends meet, enclosing the food. Beginning at either end of the center crease, make small, overlapping diagonal folds around the filling, pleating it all around to make a semicircular airtight package that looks like a half-moon shape calzone. Seal the papillote tight. You might need to twist and fold the end tip to secure the envelope. Place the packet over a large sheet pan.
- Bake at 400F, top rack, between 12-20 minutes (depending on the type and thickness of the fillets) until buttery flaky. Test with a skewer; if it goes in easily, the fish is done. Let cool for 3-4 minutes before using a kitchen scissor to cut open the packet (be careful of the hot steam).
- Crispy garlic: Just before the fish is finishing cooking, preheat a skillet over medium-low heat until it’s well-heated. Add 2 tbsp avocado oil, and finely sliced garlic cloves. You should see the cloves start sizzling right away but not to a burn-smoking point. Use a wooden spoon to gently move and saute the slices around in the skillet until they are pan-fried to a golden brown color. Be careful not to burn them as it would become bitter. Season with salt to bring out more flavor.
- Serve: Cut open the fish packet and spoon over a few teaspoons of crispy garlic with infused oil from the skillet. Serve immediately.
My Simple Weeknight Delight: Fish en Papillote
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and endless household chores, the last thing I want is a complicated recipe that requires hours of preparation and a mountain of dishes. That's where this Fish en Papillote recipe has become my absolute lifesaver. It's quick, easy, and surprisingly elegant – perfect for a weeknight meal that won't leave me exhausted by the time dessert rolls around.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks together in a parchment paper packet, creating a self-contained, flavorful meal. No messy pans to clean, no complicated techniques to master, just fresh, healthy ingredients transformed into a truly satisfying dinner. I often adapt it based on what's in my fridge – sometimes I swap out the white fish for salmon, or add different vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. The possibilities are endless, and the result is always delicious. This recipe has become a staple in our home, enjoyed by my husband and kids alike. The kids love the fun aspect of peeling open the parchment packets to reveal the deliciousness inside!
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s effortlessly adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences. For example, I can easily adjust it to be gluten-free (as it inherently is), Keto-friendly by omitting any high-carbohydrate vegetables, or AIP compliant by making sure all ingredients meet the protocol's requirements. The fact that it's so adaptable is a huge plus for me. Not only does it accommodate different dietary choices, but it also means I can easily adjust the recipe depending on what ingredients I have available. The fresh herbs and the zesty lemon juice cut through the richness of the fish, giving the dish a refreshing, bright flavor that's perfect for a summer evening. But honestly, I enjoy this dish year-round! The combination of the flaky white fish, the aromatic lemongrass, and the crispy garlic is simply irresistible.
This recipe isn't just about convenience, though. It's also a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. The natural flavors of the fish and vegetables shine through, showcasing the quality of the ingredients. And because it cooks quickly, the nutrients are beautifully preserved. It's a win-win all around!
I've made this dish countless times for friends and family, and it's always a hit. They're often surprised by how easy it is to make – and even more surprised by how delicious it tastes! It's become one of my go-to recipes for dinner parties, and it never fails to impress. In fact, when I have guests over, this is often one of the first dishes I offer. It's that good!
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there is a significant emotional connection I have with this dish. It represents my desire to balance a busy career with the joy of creating wholesome meals for my family. Cooking shouldn't feel like a chore; it should be a source of satisfaction and a way to connect with loved ones. This Fish en Papillote recipe allows me to do just that. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and impressive meals don't have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best.
So, if you're looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy weeknight dinner that's both impressive and satisfying, give this Fish en Papillote a try. You won't be disappointed! I promise.
