Hey friends! Today I’m sharing one of my favorite ways to cook fish Pesce al Cartoccio. That’s a fancy Italian name, but don’t worry it’s super easy to make! “Cartoccio” means cooking the fish in a paper parcel. It’s like giving your fish a cozy little bed while it bakes in the oven. This way, the fish gets super soft, full of flavor, and doesn’t need lots of oil or butter. Plus, you can mix it up with your favorite herbs or veggies! Let’s get started.
👩🍳 Method
Mix the Topping
First, get a medium-sized bowl and add all the tasty topping ingredients. This includes your quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, sundried tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently with a spoon until it looks colorful and juicy. This mix will add lots of flavor to your fish!
Prepare the Paper Parcels
Now it’s time to get your baking paper ready. Tear off two large pieces big enough to wrap your fish like a gift. Place two slices of lemon right in the center of each sheet. The lemons will sit under the fish to give it a fresh, zesty flavor as it cooks.
Add the Fish and Topping
Place your white fish fillet right on top of the lemon slices. Then, carefully spoon the tomato-olive topping over the fish. Make sure to share the mixture equally between both pieces of fish. Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Wrap It Up
Now comes the fun part wrapping it like a present! Fold one side of the baking paper over the fish, then fold the opposite side on top. Do the same with the top and bottom edges so that everything is sealed inside. Try to keep it snug so that steam stays inside while baking. The paper should look like a closed parcel or envelope.
Bake the Fish
Place the wrapped parcels onto an oven tray. Slide the tray into your oven, which should be preheated to 180°C (fan) or 350°F. Bake for about 12 minutes. During this time, the fish will cook in its own steam, getting super moist and tender.
Check for Doneness
After 12 minutes, take the tray out of the oven carefully. If you’re not sure whether the fish is fully cooked, check the thickest part using a food thermometer. It should reach 63°C (145°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, gently press the fish with a fork if it flakes easily, it’s done!
Drain the Water
Before serving, open the paper parcel just a little over the sink and pour out any extra liquid. Be very careful hot steam will come out when you open it! This step keeps your dish from getting soggy on the plate.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the excess water is drained, place the parcel on a serving plate. You can open the paper slightly or let people open it at the table. Either way, the smell and flavor will be amazing. Serve it just like that for a fun and tasty meal!
🔧 Necessary Tools
- Baking paper (2 large pieces)
- A sharp knife
- A bowl for mixing
- Oven (set to 180°C fan or 350°F)
- Oven tray
🐟 Pesce al Cartoccio Recipe – Mediterranean Style
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes12
minutes22
minutesIngredients
250g white fish (like basa, sea bass, or bream)
~10 cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters
~8 olives, sliced
3–4 sundried tomatoes, sliced
4 lemon slices
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Mix the topping: In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, olives, sundried tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will be your tasty topping.
- Prepare the paper parcels: On each sheet of baking paper, place 2 lemon slices in the center. Put the fish on top of the lemons.
- Add the topping: Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over both pieces of fish.
- Wrap it up: Fold the baking paper around the fish like a gift fold one side, then the other, and seal the top and bottom.
- Bake: Place the parcels on a tray and bake for about 12 minutes.
- Check the fish: The fish is done when it reaches 63°C (145°F) in the thickest part.
- Drain water: When you take it out, be careful it’s hot! Open the parcel just a little and drain any extra liquid over the sink.
- Serve: Place the paper parcel on a plate and enjoy right from it!
Notes
- Make sure the paper is folded tightly so steam doesn’t escape.
- Don’t overbake! Fish can get dry if you leave it in too long.
- Be extra careful when opening the hot paper steam can burn your hands.
- Always drain the water before serving so your plate isn’t soggy.
🍋 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy couscous or lemon rice.
- Add steamed green beans or a fresh salad on the side.
- Want extra flavor? Drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top!
🎉 Fun Fact
In Italy, cooking “al cartoccio” is a popular way to keep fish juicy without using a lot of oil. It’s like making a little steam room for your food so the flavor stays locked in!
✅ Conclusion
Pesce al Cartoccio is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to cook fish at home. It’s fast, healthy, and full of Mediterranean flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want to play with different toppings like rosemary, capers, or more lemon. It’s not just a recipe it’s a fun cooking trick that makes fish amazing every time. Give it a go and let the flavors do the talking!
