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Make salmon en papillote

Make salmon en papillote
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Prepare salmon en papillote by seasoning fish, adding vegetables in parchment, folding packets, then bake with an adult supervising to ensure safety.

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Step-by-step guide to make salmon en papillote

What you need
Adult supervision required, baking sheet, fresh herbs (optional), kitchen scissors or small knife, lemon, measuring spoons, olive oil, parchment paper, pepper, salmon fillet, salt, thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or bell pepper

Step 1

Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

Step 2

Gather all Materials Needed and put them on the counter where you will work.

Step 3

Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 4

Place one sheet of parchment paper on the baking sheet.

Step 5

Put the salmon fillet in the center of the parchment with the skin-side down.

Step 6

Drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil over the top of the salmon.

Step 7

Sprinkle a small pinch of salt and a small pinch of pepper onto the salmon.

Step 8

Put one or two lemon slices on top of the salmon.

Step 9

Arrange the thinly sliced vegetables around and slightly under the salmon.

Step 10

Scatter a few fresh herb leaves over the salmon and vegetables if you like.

Step 11

Fold the parchment into a packet by bringing one side over the fish and tightly crimping the edges to seal.

Step 12

Ask an adult to put the baking sheet in the oven and bake the packet for 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 13

Ask an adult to remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface.

Step 14

Ask an adult to carefully open the hot parchment packet and let the food cool for 2 minutes.

Step 15

Take a photo of your finished salmon en papillote and share your creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use instead of parchment paper or salmon if we can't find them?

If you can't find parchment paper, use a double layer of aluminum foil to make the packet, and if salmon is unavailable swap in trout or cod and place it skin-side down on the paper or foil and bake the same amount of time.

My packet leaked or the fish seemed dry — what might have gone wrong and how can I fix it?

If the packet leaks or the fish is dry, be sure to tightly crimp the edges when you 'fold the parchment into a packet' to seal steam in, slice vegetables thin so they cook evenly, and start checking the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking while drizzling extra olive oil if needed.

How can I adapt this activity for younger children or older kids?

For younger children let them do safe tasks like washing hands, arranging lemon slices and vegetables and scattering herbs while an adult preheats the oven and handles baking, and for older kids let them slice vegetables, measure the olive oil and seasonings, fold the packet, and take the photo for DIY.org.

What are simple ways to personalize or improve the salmon en papillote?

Personalize the dish by adding a teaspoon of butter or a few garlic slices and a sprinkle of lemon zest or smoked paprika on top of the salmon before sealing, or serve the opened packet over rice and photograph your creation to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make salmon en papillote

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How to Cook Salmon en Papillote - Easy Recipe | Recipe by Teka

3 Videos

Facts about cooking and kitchen safety for kids

🍋 A squeeze of lemon or a sprig of herbs in the packet gives big flavor with very little work.

📜 Parchment paper is oven-safe and keeps juices sealed in; never use wax paper in the oven.

🐟 Salmon are packed with protein and omega-3 fats that help growing brains and bodies.

🔥 Salmon cooks quickly en papillote — about 12–15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) depending on thickness.

🇫🇷 “En papillote” is French for “in parchment” — the food steams inside a folded paper parcel.

How do you make salmon en papillote with a child?

To make salmon en papillote, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). On a sheet of parchment, place a salmon fillet, season with salt, pepper, lemon and herbs, then add thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini, bell pepper, or cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, fold the parchment into a sealed packet, and place on a baking sheet. Bake 12–18 minutes depending on thickness. Children can season and arrange ingredients while an adult handles folding and the oven.

What materials and ingredients do I need to make salmon en papillote?

You'll need salmon fillets, parchment paper or foil, a baking sheet, and vegetables such as zucchini, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes or thin carrots. Also gather olive oil, lemon slices, salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley. For tools: a cutting board, child-safe knife or vegetable peeler, measuring spoons, kitchen scissors, and oven mitts. An adult should use sharp knives and operate the oven; consider foil as an alternative to parchment.

What ages is making salmon en papillote suitable for?

This activity suits children in stages: ages 3–5 can help rinse vegetables, tear herbs, and arrange pre-cut pieces; ages 6–8 can measure, season, and help fold parchment with guidance; ages 9+ can do more complex prep under supervision. Adults must handle raw fish, sharp knives, and the oven. Adjust tasks to each child’s motor skills and attention span and always supervise closely to keep cooking safe and fun.

What are the benefits and safety tips for making salmon en papillote with kids?

Cooking salmon en papillote teaches kitchen skills, healthy eating, fine motor control and following steps. It encourages tasting new vegetables and confidence in the kitchen. For safety, have an adult handle raw fish, knife work and oven use. Wash hands and surfaces after contact with raw fish, use separate utensils, and check the cooked fish flakes easily or reaches 145°F (63°C). Keep packet sizes appropriate and cut food into child-friendly pieces before serving.
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Make salmon en papillote. Activities for Kids.