Name: Fish in Parchment Paper
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 Tilapia fillets ((or white fish of preference)); 4 tsp lemon juice ((1 tsp for each fillet)); 4 tsp minced garlic ((1 tsp for each fillet)); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika ((1/8 tsp for each fillet)); 1/2 tsp salt ((1/8 tsp for each fillet or to taste)); Pepper ((to taste)); 4 tbsp shredded fresh Parmesan cheese ((1 tbsp for each fillet)); 2 tbsp capers ((1/2 tbsp for each fillet)); 4 tbsp butter ((1 tbsp for each fillet)); 1 bunch asparagus ((I used 4 for each fillet))

Who doesn’t like a good fish recipe?? I know I do! Specially when it’s so easy to make, like this white fish in parchment paper.

The Inspiration for this white fish in parchment paper

This recipe was inspired by one of my visits to a great restaurant in São Paulo, called Bananeira (Banana tree). It’s a wonderful restaurant, and well known in the area.

We are friends with Mauricio, the chef/owner of the restaurant, so we asked him if he would be willing to teach a group of women to make a special dish.

Mauricio not only accepted to teach us (about 20 women), but also invited us to learn in his own restaurant. What a blast we had!

He prepared refreshments, taught us 3 amazing recipes, and didn’t charge a penny for that! It was all out of goodwill.

This reminded me that there are good people out there, that do good things without expecting anything in return.

Now, back to the fish…

In his restaurant there was a famous dish that consisted of a fish wrapped in banana leaf. He placed the fillet in the center of the leaf, seasoned, added a few vegetables and wrapped it like a little gift.

Well, since banana leaf is hard to find, he also taught us how to make it with parchment paper.

I’m sure the banana leaf gives a special touch to the recipe, but at least, the parchment paper helps with easy clean up.

Now, as I remembered that day, I tried really hard to find his recipe. I looked everywhere, but unfortunately, I think I lost it, because we’ve moved so many times.

Well… But I’m glad I remembered that day, because it inspired me to create my own version. It might not be the same, but I promise it is as delicious as the one I ate at his restaurant.

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Print Recipe

Fish in Parchment Paper

A delicious and delicate fish that has no overpowering flavors, but tastes just amazing! It's cooked in parchment paper, ensuring tenderness and moisture that will please all fish lovers.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Main Course

Keyword: Fish, healthy, parchment paper

Servings: 4 people

Author: Lilian Vallezi

Ingredients

4 Tilapia fillets (or white fish of preference)
4 tsp lemon juice (1 tsp for each fillet)
4 tsp minced garlic (1 tsp for each fillet)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (1/8 tsp for each fillet)
1/2 tsp salt (1/8 tsp for each fillet or to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
4 tbsp shredded fresh Parmesan cheese (1 tbsp for each fillet)
2 tbsp capers (1/2 tbsp for each fillet)
4 tbsp butter (1 tbsp for each fillet)
1 bunch asparagus (I used 4 for each fillet)

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350F (180ºC).
Cut 4 pieces of parchment paper (12"x12").
Place one fillet on each parchment paper. Season it with lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Spread the capers over the fillet, and add one tablespoon of butter on top of each fish.
Place the asparagus on both sides of the fish (I used 4 for each packet, but you can use as many as you'd like), and close the parchment paper.
To close the parchment paper, you pull the two sides (right and left) of the paper and close it on top of the fish (just like you make when wrapping a present). Then, make a small fold on one end of the paper (bottom side, close to your belly), sliding your finger through the length of the folding you've just done. Repeat this process of folding about 3 times and tuck it under the fish. Do the same thing on the other side (upper side). You'll end up with a little fish packet.
Place the fish packets on a rimmed baking sheet and bake it for about 15 minutes.
You can serve it with some rice and salad.
Enjoy!

Notes

You can also use other vegetables. Just make sure to use those with similar cooking time.

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