How to Cook Fish in Parchment

Cooking fish en papillote—in parchment paper—yields moist, tender results with little fuss. The key is a folded seal on the paper packet.

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Arctic Char and Vegetables in Parchment Hearts Recipe

Photo: John Autry

Arctic char fillets topped with fresh, colorful vegetables are steamed in individual parchment pouches in this recipe, unwrapped by each diner at the table. "Parchment packets allow the fish and vegetables to cook in their own juices and thus maintain the flavor of each ingredient," says recipe creater Jan Valdaz. Try this steaming technique at your home with our easy step-by-step guide.

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Step 1

How to Cook Fish in Parchment: Fold Paper

Fold parchment paper in half.

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Step 2

Draw half of a heart shape.

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Step 3

How to Cook Fish in Parchment: Cut Out Shape

Cut out shape as shown.

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Step 4

How to Cook Fish in Parchment: Arrange Fish and Veggies on Paper

Arrange fish and veggies on one side of paper.

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Step 5

How to Cook Fish in Parchment: Make Overlapping Folds on Paper

Make small, tight, overlapping folds down the outside edge to close packet.

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Step 6

Twist tail end to seal.

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6 Steps for Fish Cooked in Parchment

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How to Cook Fish in Parchment

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