Parchment Salmon Packages with Asparagus

These elegant packets look complicated, yet are quite simple to prepare. A seasoned salmon fillet is placed onto asparagus spears and wrapped in parchment paper using a French cooking method known as 'en papillote'. For maximum effect, snip the packets open at the dinner table, so the diner is presented with the wonderful, concentrated aromas! Serve with rice or fingerling potatoes.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 8 mins
• Total Time: 23 mins
• Calories: 523 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce
• salt and white pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
• hot pepper sauce to taste
• 2 (5 ounce) wild salmon fillets
• 8 slender asparagus spears, trimmed
• 4 lemon wedges for garnish

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Step 2

Stir together mayonnaise, mustard, dill, tarragon, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and soy sauce; season to taste with hot sauce, and salt and pepper. Sprinkle the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then spread on all sides with the mayonnaise mixture; set aside.

Step 3

Cut two 12 to 14-inch squares from a roll of parchment paper. Fold each piece in half along the longer side and cut a half-heart shape away from the fold, just like you did in elementary school to make valentines. Open the paper hearts and smear the top-side of each sheet with a little vegetable oil, and place 4 asparagus spears onto one side. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on top of the asparagus spears.

Step 4

Fold the parchment paper over the salmon (like closing a book). Roll the edges inwards to seal, leaving you with a secure packet. Place the packets onto a baking sheet.

Step 5

Bake in preheated oven until the parchment has turned golden brown and a kitchen thermometer inserted into the salmon reaches 125 degrees F (52 degrees C), 6 to 10 minutes.

Step 6

To serve, place unopened packets onto dinner plates accompanied by the lemon wedges. Use kitchen shears to snip open the packets at the dinner table, to release the aroma the moment before eating!