Citrus Baked Sea Bream Fillet in Parchment

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 20 mins Difficulty: Medium Serves: 6
kcal fat saturates carbs
330 17g 3g 6g
sugars fibre protein salt
4g 2g 34g 0.5g

Why I Love French Citrus Baked Sea Bream Fillet in Parchment

As I savor the sumptuous Citrus Baked Sea Bream Fillet in Parchment, my food journey feels complete. This exquisite dish marries the delicacy of sea bream fillets with the refreshing tang of citrus fruits, reminding me of the vibrant concoctions I would whip up in the bustling kitchen of my Cuban-Spanish home in balmy Miami. But this journey was not mine alone; the culinary magic of legit French chefs helped shape my culinary palette and this recipe.

Citrus Baked Sea Bream Fillet in Parchment

Bringing the Ocean to Your Plate

There’s something utterly enchanting about a perfectly sourced and cooked fish fillet. It is simple, yet lends itself to a world of flavors. This dish draws me in not just with its alluring taste, but also with its clever use of parchment paper, an often overlooked tool in home kitchens. They capture the essence of the ingredients, preserving the juices and flavors that they release during the cooking process, making every bite a culinary revelation. The fish becomes infused with the aromas of lemon, orange, and herbs, reminiscent of another classic – Fish en Papillote.

The Mastermind Behind the Dish

Although inspired by the multitude of cultures that have shaped my culinary journey, this recipe is largely influenced by the finesse found in French cuisine. I admire how French chefs, like Thomas Keller, emphasize seasonal ingredients, letting their natural flavors be the stars of the dish. This reverence for ingredients steered me towards creating this recipe, highlighting the freshness and flavor of the sea bream fillets while harmonizing it with the citrus and herbs. His technique of cooking fish in parchment has been a game-changer for me, leading to not only the creation of this Citrus Baked Sea Bream Fillet in Parchment but also setting the foundation for many of my seafood recipes.

Perfect Pairings

What makes this recipe even more special is its versatility. While delightful on its own, this fish dish can be elevated with a well-chosen side. My personal preference leans towards a warm Ratatouille, french fries or a light salad of mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette. I have also found that it pairs delightfully with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or an Albariño, adding a level of indulgence to an otherwise simple meal.

So there you have it – my love for this recipe is as much about its refreshing citrusy flavors as it is about the memories it evokes of kitchen stories, captivating cultures, and culinary maestros. And I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

What You’ll Need

  • 6 sea bream fillets
  • 2 large oranges, thinly sliced
  • 2 large lemons, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 6 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 large squares of parchment paper
ALLERGENS: Fish

Method

Step One

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, lay your 6 squares of parchment paper on a flat surface. Arrange several slices of orange and lemon on each piece of parchment to form a bed for the sea bream fillet.

Step Two

Place one sea bream fillet on top of the citrus bed on each piece of parchment paper. Then, sprinkle the fillets with your salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step Three

Drizzle each fillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.

Step Four

Lay a sprig of fresh thyme and a sprig of fresh rosemary on top of each fillet. Next, fold your parchment paper over the top of the fish and citrus, creating a packet. Crimp the edges of the packet to seal it, ensuring that the juices will remain inside while baking.

Step Five

Place your parchment packets on a baking sheet and put the sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flaky. Be careful when opening the packets, as the trapped steam can be hot. Enjoy your citrus baked sea bream fillets immediately.

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