Tilapia en Papillote: Steamed Fish Parcels with Lemon & Herbs

This Tilapia en Papillote is a simple, flavorful way to bake fish while keeping it moist and tender. Cooking the fillet in parchment traps steam and concentrates the aromas of the vegetables, herbs, and wine for a juicy, fuss-free dinner.

Tilapia en Papillote

Tilapia en Papillote

Ingredients

  • Tilapia fillets (one per serving) and one piece of parchment paper per fillet
  • Chopped vegetables (such as red onion, red pepper, yellow squash, and asparagus)
  • White wine (a splash)
  • Butter (optional) or olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: garlic powder or fresh/dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place a tilapia fillet on a sheet of parchment paper. Season with salt and pepper. Top with a handful of the chopped vegetables, drizzle with a little white wine, and dot with butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Add a pinch of garlic powder or your preferred herbs if desired.
  3. Fold the parchment over the fish and vegetables. Seal the edges by folding and twisting them to form a tight parcel; this traps the steam and keeps the fish moist as it cooks.
  4. Place the sealed packets on a baking tray and bake for about 20–25 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
  5. Carefully open the parchment to release hot steam. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and serve immediately.

Tilapia in parchment

Tilapia en Papillote

Tilapia fillets are wrapped in parchment with vegetables and roasted for a healthy, elegant fish dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 1 serving per fillet

Ingredients

  • Tilapia fillets and parchment paper
  • Chopped veggies (red onion, red pepper, yellow squash, asparagus)
  • White wine
  • Butter or olive oil
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional herbs or garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place a seasoned tilapia fillet on parchment, top with vegetables, wine, and butter or oil.
  3. Fold and seal the parchment into a tight packet to steam the fish.
  4. Bake 20–25 minutes until flaky. Serve with fresh lemon juice.

More easy fish and seafood recipe ideas:

  • Almond Crusted Tilapia (gluten free)
  • Black Pepper Crusted Yellowfin Tuna
  • Caribbean Shrimp Quinoa Salad (gluten free)
  • Lemon and Herb Fish
  • Mussels in Creamy Tomato Fennel Broth
  • Pesto Baked Salmon with Veggies
  • Roasted Salmon with Watermelon Salsa (gluten free)
  • Seared Scallops with White Beans and Spinach
  • Shrimp, Cucumber, and Feta Orzo Salad

If you try this recipe, adjust the vegetables and herbs to your taste—this method works well with many combinations and is a great weeknight option for a healthy, flavorful meal.