Simple & Elegant Salmon en Papillote Recipe for Perfect Dinners

Salmon en papillote crafts ordinary seafood into a magical culinary experience that delights both novice and seasoned cooks.

Mediterranean cooking techniques shine through this delicate preparation method, where fragrant herbs and vibrant vegetables embrace succulent fish.

Wrapped carefully in parchment, the salmon absorbs incredible layers of flavor while maintaining its natural moisture and tender texture.

Professional chefs adore this technique for its simplicity and elegant presentation that looks impressively sophisticated.

Delicate aromas escape when you unwrap the parchment, creating a sensory moment of anticipation and excitement.

The steaming process ensures each ingredient melds together harmoniously, producing a perfectly balanced meal.

This technique guarantees restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.

Salmon en Papillote: A Light and Flavorful Dish

• Unlock Effortless Elegance: Salmon en Papillote offers a stunning restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for impressing dinner guests without complicated techniques.
• Seal in Flavor Explosion: Parchment packet cooking naturally locks in moisture, creating incredibly juicy salmon while infusing every bite with garlic, honey, and soy sauce seasonings.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with high-protein salmon, low-calorie vegetables, and balanced macronutrients, this dish delivers a wholesome meal supporting heart health and muscle recovery in just 18 minutes of baking time.
• Clean and Quick Cleanup: One-packet cooking means less dishwashing, with parchment paper containing all ingredients and sauce, making post-meal cleanup as simple as tossing the wrapper.

Key Ingredients for Salmon en Papillote

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught preferred for better flavor and texture, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

• Olive Oil, Sesame Oil: Adds depth of flavor and helps distribute seasonings evenly.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic base for the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness to the dish.
• Honey: Balances sauce with natural sweetness and helps create caramelization.

• Spring Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds mild onion flavor and bright color.
• Sesame Seeds: Provides nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Lime Wedges: Offers bright citrus notes to cut through rich salmon.

• Parchment Paper: Creates steamy, sealed environment for even cooking and moisture retention.

• Rice: Classic accompaniment that absorbs delicious sauce.

How to Make Salmon en Papillote at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Marinade

• Olive oil
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce
• Honey

Blend until the ingredients are well combined and create a fragrant marinade.

Step 2: Arrange the Salmon Packet

• Sliced bell peppers
• Thin zucchini strips
• Julienned carrots

Drizzle the prepared marinade over the salmon and vegetables. Fold the parchment paper, creating a tight sealed packet to lock in all the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the parchment packet onto a baking sheet and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for exactly 18 minutes until the salmon is tender and flaky.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped spring onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Serve alongside fluffy white rice. Open the packet at the table for a dramatic and aromatic presentation.

Tips for Perfect Salmon en Papillote

• Master the Seal: Crimp parchment paper edges tightly to lock in steam and flavors, creating a perfect cooking environment for delicate salmon.
• Balance Vegetable Cuts: Slice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture alongside the fish.
• Check Salmon Doneness: Look for opaque, flaky salmon that easily separates with a fork, indicating perfectly cooked fish without drying out.
• Experiment with Marinade: Customize the sauce by swapping soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free option or adding ginger for extra zest.
• Serve Immediately: Open parchment packets right before serving to capture the aromatic steam and preserve the dish's hot, fresh essence.

Storing and Reheating Salmon en Papillote

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon en papillote in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Carefully transfer the fish and vegetables, keeping the original parchment paper to preserve moisture and flavor.
• Chill: Properly stored salmon will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover the container tightly to prevent odors from spreading and maintain the dish's delicate taste.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated salmon gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, which can dry out the delicate fish and make it tough. Drizzle a splash of water or remaining sauce before reheating to help retain moisture and restore the original juiciness of the salmon.

Pairing Salmon en Papillote with Vegetables or Rice

• Elevate with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: The bright, citrusy notes of this white wine perfectly complement the delicate salmon and cut through its richness, creating a refreshing balance that enhances every bite.
• Pair with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Fluffy jasmine rice absorbs the flavorful sauce from the salmon en papillote, providing a subtle aromatic base that elevates the entire dining experience and adds texture to the meal.
• Match with Asian Slaw Side: A zesty, crunchy Asian-inspired coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil brings a tangy crunch that contrasts the tender salmon, adding a vibrant layer of flavor and excitement to the plate.
• Serve with Ginger-Lime Sparkling Water: A light, effervescent drink infused with ginger and lime echoes the dish's Asian-inspired seasonings, cleansing the palate and providing a refreshing accompaniment that doesn't overpower the delicate fish.

Variations of Salmon en Papillote to Try

• Spicy Mediterranean Salmon: Replace soy sauce with harissa paste and add diced bell peppers, olives, and lemon zest for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Asian Ginger Salmon Packet: Swap honey with maple syrup, add fresh ginger, and include julienned carrots and bok choy for an authentic Asian flavor profile.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon Bundle: Incorporate fresh dill, parsley, and thyme into the sauce, and layer with thin asparagus and cherry tomatoes for a garden-fresh approach.
• Coconut Curry Salmon Wrap: Mix in red curry paste, coconut milk, and top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a tropical-inspired seafood experience.

Salmon en Papillote Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean salmon en papillote brings delicate fish infused with herbs and lemon into a perfect parchment-wrapped package. Elegant French cooking meets Mediterranean flavors, offering a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll savor with each perfectly steamed, aromatic bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 skin-on salmon fillets

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) fresh baby corn, halved lengthways
• ½ red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 1 red chilli, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 6 spring onions (scallions), sliced into thin strips
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Oils, Sauces, and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons neutral oil (like avocado, rapeseed, or sunflower oil)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1.5 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon mixed black and white sesame seeds

Serving Suggestions:

• Lime wedges
• Cooked rice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a flat surface to accommodate the parchment packets.
2. Combine olive oil, sesame oil, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, and honey in a small mixing bowl, whisking until the ingredients are thoroughly blended and create a uniform marinade.
3. Cut large rectangular pieces of parchment paper, ensuring they are large enough to completely enclose the salmon fillet and accompanying vegetables.
4. Arrange sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots in the center of each parchment paper, creating a bed for the salmon.
5. Place salmon fillets directly on top of the vegetable base, ensuring even positioning and consistent thickness.
6. Carefully drizzle the prepared marinade over the salmon and vegetables, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Fold and crimp the edges of the parchment paper to create a tight, sealed packet that prevents moisture from escaping during cooking.
8. Transfer the sealed parchment packets onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each packet for proper heat circulation.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
10. Remove packets from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before carefully opening to release aromatic steam.
11. Garnish with thinly sliced spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges for added brightness and texture.
12. Serve immediately in the parchment packets alongside steamed jasmine or brown rice.

Notes

• Steam creates a moist, tender texture that locks in salmon’s delicate flavors and prevents overcooking.
• Parchment paper technique allows even cooking and helps herbs and seasonings infuse directly into the fish.
• Use heavy-duty parchment or aluminum foil to create a tight seal, trapping all aromatic juices inside the packet.
• Always check salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F for safe consumption without drying out the delicate protein.
• Experiment with different vegetable combinations like asparagus, bell peppers, or baby bok choy to customize your meal.
• Squeeze fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish and add a zesty, fresh finish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg