Fish en Papillote (Baked Fish in Parchment)

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Mediterranean baked Fish en Papillote topped with a beans, Castelvetrano olives, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

Fish en Papillote

I love a healthy one-pot meal, so this Fish en Papillote (Fish in Parchement) isn’t just easy, is so delicious! A complete meal in one with Mediterranean flavors and the simplicity of cooking en papillote (in parchment) for easy clean up. I used delicate branzino filets, but any white fish will work. It’s topped with a flavorful white bean salad loaded with olives, artichokes tomatoes and fresh herb, creating a delicious healthy dinner. More Mediterranean Diet recipes you will love are this Mediterranean Sea Bass and Mediterranean Bean Salad.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m always looking for healthy dinner ideas, and I loved how this fish papillote turned out!

Lately, I’ve been eating more anti-inflammatory foods and fish and leaning towards many Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Since I try to eat fish at least three to four times a week, switching up how I prepare it is key so I don’t get bored. This fish in parchment paper couldn’t be easier and the flavors are so good! Fancy enough to make for company, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Here’s a few more reasons why this works:

Easy: Most of that cook time is hands off and clean up is easy!
Healthy: Fish is a great low-calorie, high-protein option.
Anti-Inflammatory: This recipe is anti-inflammatory because it features ingredients like fish, olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and olive oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and healthy fats, all known for their ability to reduce inflammation in the body.
Great for many dietary restrictions: Mediterranean Diet friendly, Passover-friendly, Anti-inflammatory, High-Fiber, Gluten-free and Dairy-free.

What is fish is cooked “en papillote”?

“En papillote” means “in paper” or “in parchment” in French. It’s a cooking technique in which you wrap fish, chicken, shrimp, or other lean protein in parchment paper and bake the food by steaming it.

Fish Papillote Ingredients

Here’s the ingredients used in this parchement baked fish dish. Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Fish en Papillote

White Fish Fillet I used Branzino because I love the mild taste, but you can use any white fish.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper season the fish and beans.
White Beans: Use any kind of white bean, like Cannellini, Great Northern, or navy beans. Beans are high in fiber and protein and and a good source of antioxidants.
Castelvetrano Olives are some of the best olives. They’re a green Italian olive with a buttery flavor.
Artichokes: I prefer jarred marinated artichoke hearts, not canned ones for this recipe. We will use some of the marinade as a dressing for the bean salad.
Tomatoes: Use cherry or grape tomatoes which are rich in lycopene and other antioxidants.
Lemon: The zest and juice adds brightness and Vitamin C.
Olive Oil balances the acidity of the lemon juice. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory compound.
Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley and dill over the cooked fish.

How to Make Fish en Papillote

Here’s the step-by step photos to make this baked fish. See recipe card for exact recipe.

beans, tomatoes, olives and artichoke hearts — Make the bean salad.

Season the fish with salt. Leave it on the counter, uncovered, and bring it to room temperature.
Mediterranean Bean Salad: Combine the beans, olives, artichokes, artichoke marinade, cherry tomatoes, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Prep the Parchment Paper: Cut 4 pieces of parchment that are double the length of the filets.
Wrap the Fish in Parchment: Center each filet on the parchment and top with bean salad. Tightly fold the paper closed and place the parcels into a baking dish. Bake the branzino en papillote in the oven for 30 minutes at 375°F.
To serve, unfold the parchment and top each piece with parsley and dill.

Variations and Tips

Fish: Snapper fillet, sea bass, or flounder would work if you can’t find Branzino.
Bring the branzino fish to room temperature to help it cook evenly.
Folding the parchment paper doesn’t have to be pretty. It just needs to completely cover the fish to ensure it steams properly.
Olives: Substitute kalamata olives or mixed olives from the olive bar.
Olive Bar Ingredients: Add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated garlic for a flavor boost.
Herbs: Swap either herb for fresh chives, basil, or oregano.

What to Serve with Branzino en Papillote

This Mediterranean branzino en papillote is a complete meal with the bean salad. If you want to serve it with something extra, make this simple arugula salad or buy a loaf of your favorite bakery bread.

Storage

Leftover fish will last in the fridge for three days. You can microwave it, but if you’d prefer not to, reheat it in a 300°F oven until warm or heat in a skillet on the stove.

branzino in parchment with olives and lemon

More Fish Recipes You’ll Love

FAQs

What type of fish is most often used when cooking en papillotte?

Most any type of flaky white fish can be cooked en papillotte. Since branzino is native to the Mediterranean Sea, I thought it was a good option for this Mediterranean recipe. You can substitute whatever white fish you prefer or is available.

Are white beans anti-inflammatory?

Yes, white beans, like other beans and legumes, contain anti-inflammatory compounds. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and various nutrients, such as magnesium, which help reduce inflammation in the body.
Additionally, white beans have a low glycemic index, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels and contribute to overall health. Including white beans in your diet as part of a balanced and varied meal plan may help support overall well- being and decrease inflammation.

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