Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish

Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish
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Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish is made with white fish fillets, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh thyme, green olives, and egg whites. This recipe creates a light, flavorful fish dish roasted in parchment for a no-mess, aromatic meal. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4.

Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish Ingredients

  • 4 (12 × 16-inch) pieces of parchment paper
  • 4 (8-ounce) boneless skin-on fish fillets, such as snapper or cod
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons good olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 8 Cerignola or other large green olives with pits
  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F.
  2. Prepare the Parchment: Fold each piece of parchment in half and cut into a large heart shape.
  3. Assemble the Packets: Place each fish fillet on one side of the fold. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Top with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 thyme sprigs, and 2 olives.
  4. Seal the Packets: Brush the edges with egg whites, fold over, and make overlapping folds to seal. Tuck the end underneath.
  5. Bake the Fish: Place packets on sheet pans and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Serve: Place packets on plates, cut an X in the center, and serve hot in the parchment.
Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish
Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish

Recipe Tips

  • Use Parchment Properly: The heart shape and folding ensure the steam stays sealed for tender fish.
  • Prep Ahead: Assemble packets a day ahead and refrigerate until baking time.
  • Don’t Skip the Egg Whites: They help seal the packets securely to trap moisture.
  • Choose Your Fish: Cod, snapper, or halibut work well—just ensure fillets are the same size.
  • Avoid Overbaking: Stick to 15 minutes for perfectly cooked, moist fish.

What To Serve With Herb-Roasted Fish

This fish dish pairs well with herbed couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

How To Store Herb-Roasted Fish

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Not recommended—freezing may alter the texture and freshness of the fish and herbs.

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Herb-Roasted Fish Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 330
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

Can I use parchment paper alternatives like foil?
Foil works but doesn’t offer the same gentle steaming effect as parchment.

Can I add vegetables inside the packet?
Yes, thinly sliced zucchini or cherry tomatoes can be added for a heartier dish.

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Is skin-on fish necessary?
No, skinless fillets also work fine.

Can I use black olives instead of green?
Yes, but green olives like Cerignola provide a unique flavor.

How do I know the fish is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork after baking.

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Barefoot Contessa Herb-Roasted Fish

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15 minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 30 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:330 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

Flavorful white fish fillets roasted in parchment with lemon, thyme, and olives for a simple yet elegant dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Fold parchment paper into a heart shape and place a fillet on one side.
  3. Season each with ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 thyme sprigs, and 2 olives.
  4. Brush edges with egg whites, fold, and seal tightly.
  5. Place on sheet pans and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Serve hot by cutting an X in each packet.
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