Cooking fish inside a parchment paper packet ensures tender, flaky fillets.
Greg DuPree
The French cooking methoden papillotesimply means cooking food inside of a parchment paper packet.
And, it has a lot of perks.
Photo:Greg DuPree
Here, salmon fillets and strips of bell pepper and ginger steam in a sweet soy-sesame-garlic sauce.
For a dramatic and deliciously aromatic presentation, let guests bring up the packets at the table.
Serve with rice noodles or steamed rice for a hearty meal.
Cut 4 (12-inch) squares of parchment paper.
Fold each square in half.
Cut a heart shape out of each square, using as much parchment as possible.
Whisk soy sauce, garlic, honey, and oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high for 30 seconds.
Chop 6 scallions into 2-inch pieces.
Place scallion pieces, bell pepper, and ginger on 1 side of each heart.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place a salmon fillet on top of each vegetable mixture.
Spoon 2 tablespoons soy sauce mixture over each fillet.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Fold parchment hearts closed and crimp edges to seal.
Bake until packages are slightly puffed and salmon flakes easily with a fork, 12 to 15 minutes.
(Open 1 pouch to test.)
Meanwhile, thinly slice remaining scallion.
To serve, open packets at the table and top with scallion.
2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
