Parchment Wrapped Fish: A Flavorful Delight for Any Occasion
This Parchment Wrapped Fish recipe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of aromas and flavors that will leave your guests utterly impressed. As someone who recently prepared this dish for a special dinner, I can assure you that it is a showstopper in both presentation and taste. Using salmon fillets, which are firm and succulent, the result is a perfectly cooked fish, tender and moist inside, embodying the very essence of culinary delight. The technique allows for an easy cleanup, making it a perfect option for entertaining or a cozy family meal.
Recipe Details
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 minute | 10 minutes | 11 minutes | 6 servings |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corn | 2 cups |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Green onions (with tops) | 2 |
| Serrano chilies | 1-2 |
| Hot chili pepper | ½ |
| Fresh cilantro | ½ cup |
| Lime juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Dried ancho chili powder | 6 teaspoons |
| Limes | 3 |
| Fresh cilantro (for garnish) | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 109.8 |
| Total Fat | 6.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 15.3 mg |
| Sodium | 21.1 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.1 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for that perfect cook on the fish.
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Prepare Parchment Paper: Cut cooking parchment paper into six rectangles, each measuring 10 by 20 inches. This will serve as the cooking vessel that locks in all those fantastic flavors.
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Grease the Parchment: Using a pastry brush, lightly coat one side of each parchment sheet with either melted butter or oil, or you may opt for a non-stick spray. This step not only prevents sticking but also adds a lovely buttery flavor.
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Create the Parchment Packets: Fold each parchment rectangle in half to form a square with the greased sides facing each other. Set these aside for a moment as you prepare the filling.
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Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: If using fresh corn, carefully cut the kernels off the cobs to measure out 1 cup. Combine this with the chopped carrots, sliced green onions, sweet peppers, fresh chiles, and cilantro in a large mixing bowl.
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Assemble the Parchment Packets: Open each greased parchment square and evenly sprinkle half of the vegetable mixture over one half of each parchment rectangle, making sure to leave at least a 2-inch border around the edges. This is essential for sealing the packets properly.
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Prepare the Fish: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Place one piece of fish on top of the vegetable mixture on each parchment piece.
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Add Flavor: In a small bowl, combine the tequila and lime juice, mixing well. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of this mixture over each piece of fish. Next, drizzle about 1 ½ teaspoons of melted butter over the fish, and season it generously with salt and the dried ancho chili powder.
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Finish the Packets: Place a slice of lime atop each piece of fish and scatter the remaining vegetables evenly over the fish. Carefully fold the parchment paper over the fish and vegetable mixture to form packets, sealing them tightly by making a series of overlapping folds (about 1 inch each) along the edges of each side. This will create a secure environment for steaming the fish as it cooks.
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Bake the Fish: Arrange the sealed parchment packets on a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the packets puff up beautifully, signaling that your fish is perfectly cooked.
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Serve: Once the packets are puffed and golden, remove them from the oven and transfer them to warm plates. Garnish each with fresh cilantro leaves, and serve immediately, encouraging guests to open their own packets for a delightful reveal.
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Tips for Success: It’s essential to have the rest of your meal ready to go, allowing the packets to transition directly from the oven to the dining table. Keep in mind that with this method, testing the fish for doneness is not feasible; you will have to rely on the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. Soft-fleshed fish, while tempting, will not hold up well in this recipe as they tend to cook too quickly.
Conclusion
The Parchment Wrapped Fish not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the flavors through steaming, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate culinary finesse without the hassle of extensive cleanup. This dish is versatile, allowing for different types of firm or flaky fish and customizable with various vegetables and spices, ensuring that you can make it your own every time you prepare it. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll likely find yourself coming back for seconds, and with such an easy assembly process, it can easily be scaled to serve any number of guests. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and savor the exquisite flavors of this delightful dish!
