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Dinner

Simple Fish En Papillote

This classic French method of baking fish in a paper parcel creates a tender meal infused with fresh herbs and wine.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 French· September 7, 2026
Simple Fish En Papillote
recipesbynani.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
15 minutes
Total
30 minutes
Serves
2

Fish en papillote, or fish in a bag, is a wonderful way to cook because the food gently steams in its own juices. This keeps the fish moist and ensures every bite is packed with the flavor of fresh herbs and vegetables. It is a simple dinner that looks very impressive when you open the parcel right at the table.

I have found that the secret to a great result is to quickly sauté the potatoes with garlic before bundling them up. This ensures they are perfectly tender by the time the fish is cooked. Do not skip the splash of white wine, as it creates a beautiful little sauce at the bottom of your bag.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 2 white fish fillets, about 1.5cm thick
  • 1 cup kipfler or baby potatoes, sliced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 zucchini, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, cut into wedges
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 2 sprigs fresh dill
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the sliced potatoes and minced garlic for about 5 minutes until just beginning to soften. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Cut two large squares of parchment paper and two squares of aluminum foil, slightly larger than the paper.

  4. 4

    Place a piece of foil down, top with a piece of parchment paper, and arrange half the potatoes, peppers, zucchini, and onion in the center.

  5. 5

    Season the fish with salt and pepper, then place it on top of the vegetables.

  6. 6

    Drizzle the fish with the remaining olive oil and the white wine, then top with a sprig of fresh dill.

  7. 7

    Fold the edges of the paper and foil together to create a sealed parcel, ensuring there is a little room inside for steam to circulate.

  8. 8

    Place the parcels on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish.

  9. 9

    Carefully open the parcels and serve immediately, being cautious of the escaping steam.

💡 Tips

Serve these parcels directly on dinner plates so your guests can enjoy the aroma when they open them. If you have leftovers, keep them in the sealed packaging in the fridge for up to one day, but this dish is truly best enjoyed fresh. You might want to serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious wine sauce.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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