Salmon En Papillote

Salmon can make for a quick and excellent meal, packed full of omega-3 fatty acids that feed our brains, yet low in saturated fat, high in protein and B12 vitamins. In the USA, the wild salmon season is at its prime from May through October; the common types of wild salmon include Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, and Pink salmon. Choosing the best quality of salmon is important. Farmed salmon tends to have a lower price tag and is similar in taste and texture to wild salmon: be sure to check with your seafood provider to ensure the farmed salmon is sustainable and farmed organically without any added chemicals. Other ways to hook the perfect fresh fish include checking the smell of the fish. The smell should be the first sign of a nice piece of fish; it should smell like the sea and not spicy. The eyes of the fish should be clear and not yellow, bloodshot, or sunken in. Another tell-tale sign is the feel of the fish. It shouldn't be sticky or slimy to the touch. Instead, the flesh should be firm when pressed and not mushy. A clean seafood shop will have their fish displayed on a pile of ice and be knowledgeable and able to answer any of your seafood questions. 

For this recipe of Keto Salmon En Papillote, a French general cooking term for cooked on paper, almost any food item can be cooked en papillote, including chicken, seafood, or vegetable dishes. It's very similar to wrapping ingredients in banana leaves, corn husks, or grape leaves; it allows the items to steam inside the paper or wrapper, creating an abundance of flavor without adding a lot of fat when cooking. This method also allows quick clean-up as the only equipment needed is a bowl, baking sheet, and cutting board. For this easy keto meal, the salmon is cooked with Mediterranean-style vegetables consisting of seasoned tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, fresh lime juice, and a small green salad. Some suggested side dishes are Classic Bakes recipes for Cauliflower Rice or Garlic Parmesan Asparagus.

This dish will leave you feeling light and healthy, with room for dessert. Feel free to finish the meal with a slice of Keto Carrot Cake. 

Salmon Cooking Times and Temperatures: 

Rare 120F, cooking time 7-9 Minutes

Medium Rare 125F, cooking time 10-12 minutes *recommended     

Medium 135F, cooking time 13-15 minutes                     

Medium Well 145F, cooking time 16-18 minutes