One of the ways that I minimize stress is by simplifying my meals and making them as convenient as possible. I’m not talking about microwaved corndogs or greasy takeouts (as delicious as those may be). After all, we shouldn’t have to compromise our health in order to save time in the kitchen. The trick is to cook ‘en papillote’, or in other words, parchment paper meals!

Cooking in parchment paper is considered a common technique for cooking in French cuisine. It’s as easy as it sounds. All you have to do is place all your ingredients on a parchment paper and crimp the sides to create a bowl. This allows you to have ready-to-cook meals at your convenience, just pop them in the oven and continue on with your other chores. The bonus with parchment paper meals? You won’t have any dishes to do. 

5 Parchment Paper Meals

1. Miso Butter Sablefish

This recipe can easily be substituted with other fish, including halibut, salmon, and other cods!

Ingredients:

• 1 Portion Sablefish (about 6oz)
• Cremini mushrooms, sliced
• Asparagus,chopped
• Green onions, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Splash of white wine
• Miso butter (a mixture of miso and unsalted butter at 1:2 ratio)

How to prepare:

Place the mushrooms and asparagus in the middle, and add in garlic and green onions. Place the sablefish on top of the vegetables. Brush on the miso butter on the fish, then add a splash of white wine. Crimp up the edges and pop your meal into a preheated 400℉ oven for about 12 minutes or until the fish is fully opaque.

 

2. Rainbow Roasted Vegetables

To me, vegetables always taste best when they’re roasted. It helps preserve vitamins and nutrients, and it makes them an easier to eat (raw veggies aren’t for everyone).

Ingredients:

• Rainbow carrots, chopped
• Potatoes, chopped
• asparagus, chopped
• Snap peas
• Onions, diced
• Red radishes, halved
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Sprinkle of oregano
• Egg (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare:

Toss all in the ingredients together and place them onto the parchment paper. If you’re looking for a little boost of protein, place a whole egg on the side, and allow it to bake with the vegetables with the shell on. Crimp the edges of the parchment paper to form a bowl then place it in an oven preheated at 400℉ for about 18 minutes.

 

3. Chicken with Vegetables

This is the classic dish that we’re all familiar with: chicken breast with a side of vegetables and potatoes.

Ingredients:

• Bok choy, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Onion, diced
• 1 chicken breast (halved if thick)
• Olive oil
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare:

Toss all the vegetables together in olive oil, thyme, and salt and pepper then place them on a parchment paper. Season chicken with salt and pepper and rub with thyme leaves before placing on top of the vegetables. Crimp the edges and add a splash of white wine on top of the chicken. Cook in a 400℉ oven for about 20-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.

 

 

 

4. Brown Rice with Mushrooms

Got leftover rice? Add some delicious flavours to it for a quick and healthy makeover.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• Shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• Sugar snaps
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Fresh thyme
• Olive oil
• Lemon wedge

How to prepare:

Place the rice in the middle of a parchment paper. Gently mix in mushrooms, sugar snaps, thyme, and basil. Season with salt and pepper, and an even drizzle of olive oil. Crimp the sides and place in a 400-degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over it and serve!

 

5. Shrimp Noodles

Leftover noodles? You may be inclined to throw all the ingredients in a wok and fry it up, but taking a shower while this Asian-inspired dish cooks itself in the oven is a much better alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 portion cooked noodles
• Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Bok choy, chopped
• Green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoison
• Fresh lime juice,
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated

How to prepare:

Mix equal parts of liquid ingredients for the sauce, then add in garlic and ginger. Place noodles, shrimp, and boy choy separately in three bowls. Pour the sauce in equal amounts into the three bowls. Take a sheet of parchment paper large enough that will allow you to completely fold and seal from edge to edge. Pour the bowls of ingredients onto the parchment paper and top with fresh green onions. Raise the sides of the parchment paper until they meet and seal it by crimping together. Place in a 375-degree oven for 12-15 minutes. Top with cilantro to serve.

 

Have you tried parchment paper meals to help you save time and eat healthy? Share with us your favourite recipe ideas!