Emeril's Fish in a Pouch

Recipe By: @emeril

🐟 Fun Fact: En papillote literally means "in parchment" in French. The technique uses trapped steam to gently cook fish and vegetables together, keeping everything moist and concentrating the flavors inside the pouch.

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Ingredients

  1. Fresh fish fillets, such as speckled trout, snapper, flounder, or grouper

  2. Olive oil, approximately 1½ tsp for brushing the parchment, plus more for drizzling

  3. Creole seasoning, to taste

  4. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  5. Onion, sliced into rings

  6. Fresh tomatoes, sliced ½-inch thick

  7. Fresh basil leaves

  8. Parchment paper

  1. *Emeril's original recipe doesn't specify exact quantities for the fish or vegetables, so use enough to build an individual pouch for each serving.*

Step By Step

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cut pieces of parchment paper large enough to hold your fish and vegetables, with room to fold and seal the edges. Brush the parchment with a little olive oil.

2️⃣ Season That Fish
  1. Place your fresh fish fillet onto the parchment. Season both sides with Creole seasoning. A little Emeril's Essence gives this classic French technique a Louisiana personality.

3️⃣ Layer On The Good Stuff
  1. Top each fillet with sliced onion rings, thick tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.

4️⃣ Seal The Pouch
  1. Fold the parchment over the fish and vegetables. Carefully crimp and fold the edges to create a tightly sealed packet. The goal is to keep all that wonderful moisture and aroma inside.

5️⃣ Into The Oven
  1. Arrange the sealed packets on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Check that the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

6️⃣ The Grand Reveal
  1. Carefully open each pouch, keeping your hands clear of the escaping steam. Serve immediately, spooning the delicious cooking juices over the fish.