Description
Ina Garten’s delightful fish in parchment recipe blends Mediterranean flavors with elegant simplicity. Clean ingredients and precise technique produce a succulent seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) boneless fish fillet (snapper or cod)
- 1 extra-large egg
- 2 Cerignola or other large green olives with pits
- 1 large sprig fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) good olive oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and warm the oven to a precise 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for delicate fish.
- Fish Seasoning: Center the fish fillet on a parchment paper sheet, generously seasoning with kosher salt, black pepper, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil to enhance its natural flavors. Delicately place a sprig of thyme and two green olives alongside the fillet to introduce complex aromatic notes.
- Parchment Sealing: Craft an egg wash by whisking an extra-large egg with water. Meticulously brush the mixture around the parchment edges, then fold and crimp the paper to create an hermetic seal that will preserve moisture and infuse the fish with concentrated flavors.
- Baking Process: Transfer the sealed parchment package onto a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the fish transforms to a completely opaque state and reaches optimal tenderness.
- Serving Technique: Unveil the parchment package with caution, allowing the aromatic steam to escape. Present the fish directly on the parchment, embracing a rustic serving style that maintains the dish’s vibrant flavors and succulent texture.
Notes
- Seal Skillfully: Crimp parchment edges tightly to lock in moisture and create a perfect steam pocket for tender, flavorful fish.
- Timing is Crucial: Check fish at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking, ensuring a delicate, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
- Season Strategically: Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil to enhance natural fish flavors without overwhelming the delicate protein.
- Temperature Matters: Center oven rack guarantees even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that could dry out or unevenly cook the fish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 355
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 603 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg