Healthy salmon papillote (baked salmon with vegetables and seafood) in just 20 minutes. A simple French recipe full of fresh flavor and elegance

Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2–3

Salmon papillote, also called salmon en papillote in French, is a simple yet elegant way to prepare seafood. In French, “papillote” means “in paper,” referring to the method of cooking fish or seafood wrapped in parchment paper. The sealed pouch traps steam and natural juices, creating a healthy, flavorful, and tender dish with almost no effort.

While the dish originates from French cuisine, you can just as easily call it baked salmon with vegetables. It is beginner-friendly, nutritious, and versatile, making it a perfect recipe whether you are preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party.

In this version, I used salmon, octopus, and shrimp for extra richness. Combined with onions, potatoes, lemon slices, and a drizzle of olive oil, this baked salmon papillote recipe is a complete, well-balanced meal that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love Salmon Papillote

• Healthy Cooking Method - Steaming fish in parchment paper means you don’t need heavy sauces or excess fats.
• Retains Natural Flavor - The seafood cooks in its own juices, locking in tenderness and flavor.
• Quick and Easy - From prep to plate in about 30 minutes.
• Flexible Recipe - Works with salmon alone or mixed seafood like shrimp, octopus, mussels, or scallops.
• Elegant Yet Simple - Perfect for dinner parties, but easy enough for a weekday dinner.

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Ingredients for Baked Salmon Papillote

You can easily adjust the ingredients depending on how much seafood you want to prepare.

• Seafood

• Salmon fillets (2 pieces, about 150g each)

• Octopus (a few small tentacles, cooked or frozen and thawed)

• Shrimp (6-8 pieces, peeled and deveined)

• Vegetables

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced into rounds

• 1 potato, thinly sliced into rounds

• 1 lemon, thinly sliced

• Optional: zucchini, bell pepper, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes

• Seasoning

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh herbs: parsley, dill, or thyme (optional)

• Other

• Parchment paper (oven paper)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Salmon Papillote

Step 1: Prepare the Parchment Paper

• Cut a large piece of parchment paper and place it in an oven-safe dish.
• Fold the edges slightly to form a plate-like base that will hold the seafood and vegetables.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

• Drizzle olive oil over the parchment base.
• Arrange sliced potatoes and onions in a single layer.
• Add salt and pepper to season.

Step 3: Add Seafood and Lemon

• Place salmon fillets on top of the vegetables.
• Arrange shrimp and octopus around the salmon.
• Lay lemon slices over the fish to add freshness and prevent dryness.

Step 4: Seal the Papillote

• Place another sheet of parchment on top.
• Fold and crimp the edges together to seal the pouch tightly.
• The seal is important to trap steam inside while baking.

Step 5: Bake Salmon, Vegetables and Seafood

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake the sealed papillote for about 20 minutes.
• The steam will gently cook the salmon and vegetables to perfection.

Step 6: Serve Bake Salmon, Vegetables and Seafood

• Remove from the oven and carefully open the parchment (watch out for hot steam).
• Serve directly in the paper for a rustic presentation or plate the seafood with vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Salmon Papillote

1. Do Not Overcook - Salmon should be tender and flaky. About 20 minutes is usually perfect.
2. Cut Vegetables Thinly - Potatoes and carrots should be sliced very thin so they cook evenly with the fish.
3. Use Fresh Herbs - Dill, parsley, or thyme elevate the flavor without overpowering the seafood.
4. Experiment with Vegetables - Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrients.
5. Use High-Quality Olive Oil - Since the recipe is simple, good olive oil makes a big difference.

Why Salmon Papillote is Healthy

• Low in Fat - The fish steams in its own juices with just a little olive oil.
• Rich in Omega-3s - Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health.
• Nutrient-Dense - Shrimp and octopus add protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Vegetable-Packed - Potatoes and onions provide fiber and natural sweetness.
• No Heavy Sauces - The dish relies on natural flavors, making it light but satisfying.

Variations of Salmon Papillote

• Classic French Style - Use only salmon, lemon, olive oil, and herbs.
• Mediterranean Style - Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers for extra flavor.
• Asian-Inspired Papillote - Replace lemon with lime, add ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
• Vegetarian Version - Skip seafood and use mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant.
• Spicy Twist - Sprinkle paprika, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning for a bolder taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve salmon papillote with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
• Pair with a light salad such as arugula with lemon dressing.
• Enjoy with white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or a French Rosé.
• For a hearty meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or quinoa.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat - Gently warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
• Freezing - Not recommended, as seafood texture can change.

Why You Should Try Salmon Papillote at Home

Salmon papillote is the perfect example of effortless cooking with gourmet results. It requires almost no cleanup, since everything cooks in one paper pouch. The flavor is clean, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re new to seafood cooking or want a foolproof way to impress guests, this easy baked salmon recipe will become one of your favorites.

Final Thoughts on Salmon Papillote

Salmon papillote is a dish that combines the elegance of French cuisine with the simplicity of modern home cooking. With fresh salmon, octopus, shrimp, and vegetables, you can create a meal that is light, healthy, and full of flavor in less than 30 minutes.

The steaming method highlights the natural sweetness of seafood and the freshness of vegetables, while lemon and olive oil bring balance to the dish.

Next time you are looking for a quick yet impressive dinner idea, try this healthy salmon papillote recipe. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve delicious results.

Bon appétit!