Cooking in parchment paper might seem like a fancy French technique reserved for ambitious dinner parties. And while opening individual parcels to release fragrant steam does create some delicious dinner party drama, it couldn't be easier to cook (or clean up!) using this classic method. Best yet, it's healthy too, since when you cook with steam, you don't need to add extra fat to keep ingredients from sticking to a pan. Try a recipe tonight, then toss the paper for near-effortless cleanup.
Cod with Tomato-Basil Salsa Parchment Pack
Steaming fresh cod in a neat parchment packet creates yields an unbelievably tender fillet. You can use whatever produce and flavoring agents you have on hand; juicy cherry tomatoes, briny capers, fresh basil and lemon juice is always a winning combination.
Lemongrass Coconut Shrimp and Noodles Parchment Pack
Cooking tender shrimp and noodles inside a parchment packet with aromatic coconut, curry and lemongrass creates big flavor without much added fat or salt. When you cut open the paper, the escaping steam releases a wonderful fragrance.
Clams have a natural salinity, and chorizo is salted as well, so it's not necessary to add any additional salt to this easy parchment packet meal. The juices created while cooking season the kale and beans perfectly, and a splash of dry wine adds a bright burst to round out the flavors.
Looking for lighter alternatives to classic breaded chicken tenders? Try whipping up an easy Asian-inspired marinade by combining soy sauce, rice vinegar and sambal. When you cook the tenders in parchment paper with snow peas and shiitake mushrooms, you seal the flavor and moisture inside without added fat and calories.
