Everyone is always looking for the simplest dinners to keep in their arsenal. We all have busy, exhausting days where the idea of cooking is so daunting, but you're trying to eat well and save money. Salmon en Papillote is the EASIEST way to prepare salmon and the result is a bright, fresh, deeply satisfying meal that takes almost no effort. And the best part, it's almost impossible to mess up because of the cooking method - en papillote - or "in paper"
I had an en papillote fish dish at a restaurant that was so incredibly delicious, I knew I needed to make it at home. The key is getting a good fold and tuck on your parchment paper so the fish steams inside with the lemon juice and rosemary. The result is a perfectly cooked, flavor-packed, moist fish in about 20 minutes. No checking, no flipping, no marinating.
After I started making this version of salmon, it quickly became my favorite way to prepare it. I actually didn't even like salmon until about 3-4 years ago and now I find myself craving this simply prepared rendition. Don't be fooled by the minimal ingredients-- it is so flavorful.
I do recommend only using parchment paper and not substituting aluminum foil. Parchment paper is cheap and has so many great uses in the kitchen. I find myself using it more and more over foil these days. If you haven't cooked or baked with it yet, grab a roll if nothing else to try it out with this recipe.
I hope you enjoy this delicious, healthy, and EASY meal as much as my husband and I do!
Rosemary-Lemon Salmon en Papilotte
Makes 2 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes**This recipe may include affiliate links for which I may be paid a commission for purchases made through the link.**
Click the file below to download and print the recipe
I recommend reading the recipe all the way through, including the recipe notes at the bottom, before you start cooking.
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets (about 4 oz. each)
2 rosemary springs
1 lemon, thinly sliced (~1/4" thick)
Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Special Equipment:
Parchment paper
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°
Brush a light layer of olive oil over each salmon fillet then season with salt and pepper.
Cut or rip 2 pieces of parchment paper that are about 12"x12" each. The size doesn't need to be perfect. Place a rosemary sprig in the middle of each piece of parchment paper then place the salmon fillets on top of the rosemary seasoned side down. Repeat the seasoning process on the other side of the fillets. Top each salmon with the slices of lemon, about 4 slices each.
To wrap the salmon, pull up the the edges that are parallel with the long side of the fillet to meet in the middle. Fold the paper over to secure the sides together then roll it down. Take the open ends of the paper and roll them up and fold them under the salmon to secure them. The important thing here is to make a little packet so as little steam and moisture can escape. If this explanation is confusing, watch my TikTok video to see it in action.
Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake at 400° for 15-18 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.
Carefully unwrap the packets watching for steam. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
*Recipe notes + Variations*
The thickness of your fillets will determine cooking time. A thinner piece may take less than 15 minutes.
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