Salmon en Papillote with Asparagus

This salmon en papillote recipe is essentially a fancy foil dinner. Salmon is cooked in parchment paper with asparagus, potatoes, and herbs — so easy and delicious!

Creating This Salmon en Papillote

We don’t cook a lot of seafood at home, but when we do there are a few things that matter to me. Is it convenient? Is it reasonably priced? Is it sustainable?

When I learned that Target has committed to traceable seafood and 100% sustainability for their fresh and frozen seafood by the end of 2015, I was glad to hear it. Super Target is the closest grocery store to me and is where I shop for most of my groceries. I like their prices, the selection, the convenience and the feel of the store.

To meet this goal, Target has partnered with FishWise, a nonprofit focused on the recovery of ocean ecosystems.

We don’t live a no-waste lifestyle, never buy new things, or grow all of our own produce. But, we do like to help the environment however we can in the little ways, like recycling, using our library, and buying food that impacts the environment as little as possible.

When I’m cooking seafood, it is also important to me that the recipe is simple to prepare. These days I’m all about simplicity. I love good food, but I don’t think food has to be complicated to be good.

One of my favorite methods for a really simple meal is to cook en papillote. Cooking en papillote is pretty basic, though it sounds fancy. You’re basically cooking your meal inside a packet made out of parchment paper.

This method gives really great flavor because the ingredients and seasonings all mingle together and the food is cooked in this flavorful steam. The meat always turns out really tender.

And guess what? There’s hardly any mess to clean up when you cook with this method. You also aren’t using gallons of water washing all of the dirty pots and pans you cooked with. Usually everyone is happy because each person can customize their own packet with the ingredients or seasonings they like best.

Next time you feel like seafood but want something that isn’t complicated or time consuming to prepare, try this Salmon en Papillote with Asparagus. It’s essentially a fancy version of a foil dinner!

Click HERE to save this recipe for Salmon en Papillote!

Salmon en Papillote Ingredients

For this baked salmon in parchment paper, you’ll need:

• Butter
• Fresh dill
• Shallot
• Garlic
• White wine
• Lemon pepper seasoning
• Baby potatoes
• Salmon fillet
• Asparagus

How to Make Salmon en Papillote

To make this baked salmon and asparagus in parchment, you’ll first need to prepare a parchment paper pouch. Then, combine the softened butter, dill, shallot, and garlic in a small bowl.

In the parchment paper pouch, layer the sliced potatoes, salmon, and asparagus. Sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning and drizzle with white wine.

Fold the parchment paper over the salmon and bake until the veggies are tender and the salmon is cooked through.

How do I Make a Parchment Paper Pouch?

I suggest following this tutorial from Bon Appétit. It explains how to make a parchment paper pouch in detail.

Can I Use Other Veggies?

If you don’t want to make baked salmon and asparagus, you can use different vegetables. Just keep in mind that all vegetables have varying cook times, so you need to take that into account when pairing them with the baked salmon in parchment.

Click HERE to save this recipe for Salmon en Papillote!

Tips for Making Baked Salmon in Parchment Paper

The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the fish. You’ll know when the salmon is finished cooking when it flakes easily with a fork.

If you are using a small piece of fish that will not need to cook for very long, you will want to pre-cook the potatoes just slightly either in the microwave or by boiling them so they they finish cooking in the packet while the fish cooks and are not hard.

Salmon en papillote is best enjoyed right away, as seafood doesn’t reheat well. If you have leftovers, I suggest enjoying them cold atop a salad.

More Easy Dinner Recipes:

These Fish Taco Quinoa Bowls come together in half an hour and are a quicker alternative to traditional tacos.

Breakfast for dinner is a favorite in my house. I often make this Chorizo Spinach Egg Scramble on busy weeknights, and the kids always gobble it up!

Sandwiches for dinner are another way I save time during the week. My family particularly loves these Roasted Pork Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms.

Dinner doesn’t get much easier than this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken. Serve it with a side salad, steamed veggies, rice, and more.

The Instant Pot does all the hard work for you in this Italian Beef Ragu recipe. Serve over your favorite pasta and enjoy!

What’s your favorite way to eat salmon?

Love this recipe for Salmon en Papillote? Sign up for Good Life Eats email updates and never miss another recipe!

Tag @goodlifeeats and include the hashtag #goodlifeeatsrecipes so I can see what you’re cooking up in YOUR kitchen!

Click HERE to save this recipe for Salmon en Papillote!

This post is brought to you by Target. With helping hands, Target is committed to building healthy and sustainable communities.