So you bought a whole roll of parchment paper for that one recipe you’d been meaning to try forever, and now you’re stuck with… the rest of that jumbo-size roll. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. These recipes prepared en papillote (that’s French for “in parchment”) are beyond easy to make and even easier to clean up. BTW, still not sure what parchment paper is for, and why you can’t just use tin foil? We explain it all here.
1. Lemon Baked Salmon and Asparagus
Fish can be intimidating to cook for first-timers, so we’re all about this quick, foolproof method. Wrap individual portions of salmon and your favorite veggies in parchment paper, and top with salt and pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a few lemon slices. Place in the fridge for later, then pop the packets into the oven for 14 minutes whenever you’re ready to eat.
2. Mahi Mahi En Papillote
For a quick, two-serving meal, this mahi mahi recipe is a definite winner. The staples in these individual pouches include the white fish (duh), asparagus spears, sliced red bell peppers, green onions, and lemon slices. White wine or vegetable stock helps keep the fish juicy, while paprika adds a little kick. Feel free to swap out any preferred veggies in the recipe, or use up whatever odds and ends are in your fridge instead—en papillote recipes are ideal for easy customization.
3. Seafood Pasta al Cartoccio
Seafood lovers will be all over this pasta bake, which calls for white fish (tilapia or cod), mussels, clams, and prawns. Trusty pasta ingredients—tomatoes, lemon, and garlic—make their way into this dish too, which gets cooked in serving-size packets.
4. Green Beans, Fish, and Shrimp En Papillote
Can’t decide between fish or shrimp? Make them both! This recipe uses white fish and peeled shrimp, as well as juicy cherry tomatoes and green beans. The rest of the ingredients are simple: Lemon slices, olive oil, salt, pepper, and white wine (or vegetable broth) are all you need.
5. Ginger Mango Chicken
Forget about eating another dry piece of chicken: Cooking breasts en papillote along with juicy mango slices, fresh ginger, olive oil, and jalapeño rounds ensures a spicy, sweet, and moist meal that’s ready in half an hour. After taking packets out of the oven, carefully open and squeeze a lime wedge over each serving for even more flavor.
6. Miso Sea Bass With Veggies
Japanese eggplant, red bell pepper, and asparagus form a bed for Chilean sea bass, and soak up all the flavor of the miso-sesame marinade in this easy dinner. Wrap the fish and veggies up in parchment paper along with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Bake for 20 minutes and you’ve got a delish, Asian-inspired meal that’s way healthier than anything on a take-out menu.
7. Mediterranean Cod En Papillote
This savory dish uses plenty of classic Mediterranean ingredients—Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes—as well as garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and thyme to add a fresh, fragrant flavor to cod. Fold everything into parchment paper, then pop in the oven for 25 minutes. Dinner has never been easier.
