To start, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need fresh sea bream fillets, parchment paper, fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), lemon slices, olive oil, salt, and pepper. As for the tools, you will need a baking sheet, scissors, and kitchen twine.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the parchment paper. Cut two large squares of parchment paper, big enough to enclose each fillet completely. Place the parchment paper squares on the baking sheet and set aside.
Next, prepare the sea bream fillets. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season each fillet with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place a few lemon slices and a sprig of fresh herbs on top of each fillet.
Now it’s time to fold the parchment paper. Place one seasoned fillet in the center of each parchment paper square. Start by folding the parchment paper in half over the fish, aligning the edges. Starting from one side, make small overlapping folds all around the edges, sealing the fish inside. This will create a tight seal, allowing the fish to cook evenly and retain its moisture.
To secure the parchment paper, tie it with kitchen twine. This will prevent it from unfolding during the cooking process. Simply wrap the twine around the folded edges and make a secure knot.
Once the sea bream fillets are securely sealed in parchment paper, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Let the fish cook for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The parchment paper will puff up as the fish cooks, creating a steamy environment that helps to cook the fish gently and evenly.
While the sea bream is cooking, you can prepare a side dish or a salad to accompany the meal. The beauty of cooking in parchment paper is that it requires minimal preparation and cleanup, allowing you to focus on other components of the meal.
After the cooking time has elapsed, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the parchment paper packets sit for a minute or two to allow the steam to escape. Use scissors to carefully cut open the packets, being cautious of the hot steam that may escape.
Once the packets are opened, you will be greeted by the delicious aroma of perfectly cooked sea bream. Transfer each fillet to a serving plate, garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Cooking sea bream in parchment paper is an excellent technique for preserving the delicate flavors of the fish while creating a visually stunning presentation. It’s also a healthy cooking method, as it requires minimal added fats or oils.
By following this simple step-by-step guide, you can easily enjoy a restaurant-quality sea bream dish in the comfort of your own home.