What You Will Need:
- 2 fresh sea bass fillets
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Assorted vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers)
- Herbs and spices (e.g., thyme, rosemary, garlic)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Preparing the Parchment Paper
To get started, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut two pieces of parchment paper into heart shapes, ensuring they are large enough to enclose the sea bass and vegetables.
Step 2: Seasoning the Sea Bass
Place each sea bass fillet on a separate parchment paper heart and season both sides with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. This will infuse the fish with delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Adding the Vegetables
Next, thinly slice the assorted vegetables of your choice and place them alongside the sea bass fillets. This will add texture and additional flavors to the dish. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite vegetables!
Step 4: Sealing the Parchment Packets
To seal the parchment packets, fold the paper in half over the fish and vegetables, aligning the edges. Starting at the rounded end, make small overlapping folds along the edges, working your way to the pointed end. This will create a tight seal, ensuring all the flavors stay trapped inside.
Step 5: Baking the Sea Bass
Place the parchment packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish fillets. The parchment packets will puff up as the fish cooks.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sea bass is cooked to perfection, carefully remove the parchment packets from the oven. Be cautious as the steam inside can be hot. Gently open the packets, allowing the wonderful aroma to escape. Transfer the sea bass and vegetables onto serving plates and drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately and savor the mouthwatering flavors!
Remember, cooking en papillote not only yields a delicious meal but also offers a beautiful presentation. The parchment packets create a sense of anticipation as diners reveal the delightful contents inside. So, don’t hesitate to impress your friends and family with this classic cooking technique!