Salmon baked in parchment with herbs, lemon, and shallots
French Salmon en Papillote
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
18 min
Total Time
33 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
French Salmon en Papillote
Salmon baked in parchment with herbs, lemon, and shallots
A parchment-baked salmon dinner with lemon, shallots, and herbs that feels elegant without demanding much hands-on work.
15m
Prep Time
18m
Cook Time
33m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
En papillote is one of the smartest French techniques for home cooking because it gives you gentle steaming, built-in sauce, and almost no cleanup. It also makes dinner feel more special than the effort suggests.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
OvenBake
Test Kitchen Pick
Sheet Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a good sheet pan helps here
The pan is doing more work here than it looks like. A sturdy, evenly heating sheet pan gives you better browning and fewer hot spots.
This recipe benefits from more even oven contact and easier cleanup.
- Promotes more even browning
- Useful across weeknight roasts and baking
A heavy rimmed sheet pan is one of the highest-use tools in almost any kitchen.
Shop sheet pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 400°F and cut four large parchment sheets.
- 2
Place a salmon fillet on each sheet and top with shallot, lemon, olive oil, and herbs.
- 3
Fold the parchment tightly around each portion to seal.
- 4
Bake until the fish is just cooked through.
- 5
Open carefully and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve alongside a fresh baguette and salted butter
Pair with a crisp green salad with Dijon vinaigrette
Substitutions
ParsleyTarragon
Tarragon gives the packet a more distinctly French flavor
Olive oilButter
Butter makes the final juices richer and more classic
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Seal the packets well so the steam stays inside.
Thinly sliced zucchini or asparagus can be added to the packets if you want vegetables built in.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or enjoy chilled over salad.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 fillet) · 4 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates3g
Fat23g
Fiber0g
Sugar0g
Sodium210mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use cod instead of salmon?
- Yes. Cod works well, though thinner fillets cook slightly faster.
- Do I need parchment paper?
- Parchment is best, though foil works if that is what you have.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
You Might Also Like
Italian
Italian Tuna and White Bean Pasta
A pantry-friendly Italian-style pasta with tuna, white beans, capers, lemon, and olive oil that tastes much brighter than its ingredient list suggests.
28 min
Easy
Mediterranean
Mediterranean Baked Feta Rice
A one-dish bake with rice, tomatoes, feta, and herbs that lands somewhere between baked rice and a casserole.
1 hr
Easy
French
French Leek and Potato Gratin
A rich potato gratin layered with buttery leeks and baked until tender inside and browned on top.
1 hr 20 min
Easy
Thai
Thai Basil Ground Chicken Bowls
Ground chicken cooked with garlic, chiles, and basil for a fast Thai-inspired bowl that delivers a lot of flavor quickly.
22 min
Easy
Thai
Thai Peanut Tofu Noodle Salad
A cold noodle salad with tofu, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut dressing that holds up well for meal prep or warm-weather dinners.
35 min
Easy