
Halibut and Prawn Papillote with Fennel, Orange, and Caper Butter
An elegant and original seafood dish cooked en papillote: tender halibut and juicy prawns bake with shaved fennel, shallot, fresh orange, and a splash of white wine, finished with caper parsley butter. The packet method concentrates aromas and creates a light, fragrant sauce.
Ingredients
- 600 g skinless halibut fillets (4 porciones of tamaño similar)
- 240 g raw peeled and deveined prawns (colas medium or large)
- 200 g fresh fennel bulb (cut thinly sliced finas)
- 60 g shallot (finely slice)
- 1 unit orange (zest fina and 80 ml/1/3 cup of juice, more wedges for repartir)
- 30 g capers (escurridas and chopped groseramente)
- 50 g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 15 g fresh parsley (chopped fino)
- 80 ml dry white wine (optional pero recomendado)
- 30 ml olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (grated or muy chopped)
- 4 g fresh thyme (solo the leaves)
- 2 g sweet paprika
- 6 g salt (or to taste)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 180 g zucchini (en medias lunas finas)
- 4 leaves parchment paper (for formar the papillotes)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Cut 4 large sheets of parchment paper and fold each in half to mark the center.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix the butter with the chopped capers, half of the parsley, the orange zest, 1 garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- 3
In another bowl, combine the fennel, shallot, and zucchini with the olive oil, thyme, sweet paprika, the remaining garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a little black pepper. Toss well so the vegetables are evenly seasoned.
- 4
Pat the halibut fillets and prawns dry with paper towels. Season both with the remaining salt and a little more black pepper.
- 5
Divide the fennel, shallot, and zucchini mixture among the parchment sheets, placing it in the center as a bed of vegetables. Set one halibut fillet on top of each and arrange the prawns around it. Add a few orange segments over each portion.
- 6
Drizzle each packet with the orange juice and white wine, dividing both evenly. Dot the top with small portions of the caper butter.
- 7
Close each papillote by folding and sealing the edges tightly so the steam stays inside. Place them on a baking tray.
- 8
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the halibut is tender and opaque and the prawns are pink and cooked through.
- 9
Open the packets carefully to avoid the hot steam. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve immediately with the juices from the papillote.
Chef tips
For a well-sealed papillote, fold the edges in small, tight pleats. If the fillets are thicker than 1 1/4 inches, add 2 to 3 extra minutes of cooking time. Serve with plain rice or steamed potatoes for a fuller meal.
Substitutions
You can substitute halibut with grouper, fresh cod, or sea bass. The prawns can be replaced with large shrimp. If you prefer not to use white wine, replace it with the same amount of fish stock or water plus a few extra drops of orange juice.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife
Chopping, slicing and cutting strips
- The knife I use most when cooking
- Chops, slices and cuts into strips
- Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
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