papillote

American  

[pap-uh-loht, pa-pee-yawt] / ˈpæp əˌloʊt, pa piˈyɔt /

noun

1. a decorative curled paper placed over the end of the bone of a cutlet or chop.

2. a wrapping of foil or oiled paper in which food is cooked and served.

3. en papillote.

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papillote British  

/ ˈpæpɪˌləʊt /

noun

1. a paper frill around cutlets, etc

2. (of food) cooked in oiled greaseproof paper or foil

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Etymology

Origin of papillote

1740–50; < French, irregular derivative of papillon butterfly. See papillon

Example Sentences

Knowing when the salmon is done is the only tricky part of en papillote preparations, but don’t stress: The fish’s fat helps guard against overcooking.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

Oily fish lends itself to a multitude of uses in the kitchen, from simple grilling or griddling to more elaborate dishes like tataki or papillote.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2024

Whether you call it packet cooking or en papillote, the method of wrapping fish in parchment with a splash of liquid, some aromatics and vegetables makes for a no-fuss but elegant meal.

From Washington Post • Jan. 9, 2023

Héritage Fine Wines is offering a three-course menu featuring a choice of boeuf bourguignon, salmon papillote or vegetarian lasagna, accompanied by a glass of wine, and choice of dessert.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2018

Lord Palmerston will move for a return of all the papillote papers contained in the red box at the Foreign Office.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, August 28, 1841 by Various