Elegant Seafood Papillote: A Delightful Baked Dish Sealed in Parchment
Enjoy a Fun Seafood Dish Wrapped Like Candy: Seafood Papillote! 🙂
The name ‘Seafood Papillote’ might sound complicated or expensive, but it’s essentially a simple baked seafood dish cooked within parchment paper. This method is easy yet creates an impressive presentation, perfect for special occasions or when entertaining guests! You can customize the ingredients based on your preference and budget, making it a flexible and affordable option. Don’t be intimidated – give it a try! 🙂
Main Ingredients- Fresh salmon fillet
- Tender scallops
- Chewy clams
- Sweet and briny cockles
- Plump shrimp
- 1 lemon (sliced or cut into wedges)
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
Aromatics & Seasoning- 2 tsp unsalted butter
- 10ml white wine (optional)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (dill, thyme, rosemary, etc.), a few sprigs
- 2 tsp unsalted butter
- 10ml white wine (optional)
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (dill, thyme, rosemary, etc.), a few sprigs
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Clean the seafood thoroughly. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces. Peel and devein the shrimp. Scrub the clams and cockles to remove any grit or dirt. Wash the scallops well. Slice the lemon and onion thinly.
Step 2
Feel free to customize the type and quantity of seafood to your liking. I’ve used salmon, shrimp, clams, scallops, and cockles here, but you can easily substitute or add other favorites like squid, mussels, or different types of shellfish.
Step 3
Cut a generous sheet of parchment paper (baking paper), at least 60cm (about 24 inches) long. This will be used to create the ‘papillote’ or packet for your seafood.
Step 4
Fold the parchment paper in half lengthwise. Arrange the prepared seafood, onion slices, and any other chosen vegetables on one side of the folded paper. Try to spread them out evenly, avoiding overcrowding.
Step 5
Place the lemon slices (or wedges) on top of the seafood. Dot with the unsalted butter and drizzle with white wine (if using) and a touch of olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Tuck in a few sprigs of fresh herbs for added aroma and flavor.
Step 6
Fold the other half of the parchment paper over the filling. Crimp and fold the edges of the parchment paper together tightly, creating a sealed packet. This ensures that the steam and flavors are trapped inside while cooking. Place the sealed packets onto an oven-safe baking sheet or directly into a skillet.
Step 7
Preheat your oven to 210°C (415°F). Bake the papillote packets for approximately 15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the packet is puffed up. If using a skillet, cook over medium-low heat with a lid for about 15 minutes.
Step 8
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the cooked papillote packets from the oven or skillet. Be cautious, as they will be very hot and filled with steam.
Step 9
To serve, place each packet on a plate. Using scissors, carefully cut a cross shape into the top of the parchment paper. Gently open the packet to reveal the steaming, aromatic seafood inside.
Step 10
Your beautiful and delicious seafood papillote is ready to be enjoyed! 🙂 Serve immediately, allowing everyone to savor the fresh flavors directly from their individual packets. It’s a wonderful way to share a delightful meal together!
