Parchment paper differs from waxed paper in that it is impregnated with silicon rather than covered in wax. It is safer for cooking since it is less likely to catch fire or smoke. These four recipes are meant to be spooned into pouches made with parchment, folded up, and placed in a slow cooker or casserole pan and cooked at a low temperature.
Asian Chicken
- 2-pounds boneless, skinless chicken diced
- 2-tablespoons sesame oil
- 2-tablespoons soy sauce
- 1-teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1-teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼-teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8-teaspoon sea salt
Lemon-Pepper Fish
- 2-pounds any white fish, diced
- 1-tablespoon lemon zest fresh or ½ tablespoon dried
- 2-tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼-teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1-tablespoon olive oil
- 1-teaspoon dried lemon grass
Caramelized Beef or Pork
- 2-pounds diced beef or pork
- 2-tablespoons brown sugar
- 1-teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- 1-tablepoon soy sauce
- 1-tablepoon Worcestershire sauce
Supplies also needed:
- Large Casserole dish or slow cooker with a lid
- Bowl with lid
- Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Cooking spray
- Water
Here is what to do:
- Prepare chosen recipe and allow it to marinate overnight in a covered bowl.
- Cut the parchment into 6×6 inch squares, fold these into triangles, and then unfold them.
- Measure approximately 2-heaping tablespoons of the meat and place it into the parchment below the fold.
- Fold the paper back into a triangle with the point facing towards you.
- Fold over the left and right corners so that they overlap and follow the long side of the parchment.
- Fold the tip up and tuck it behind the two sides.
- Repeat with the remaining meat mixture until done.
- Spray the bottom of the pan with cooking spray and add ½-cup water.
- Arrange the diapers with the top edge down and the tucked tip facing down.
- Slow cook the packets with the lid on in the slow cooker or oven for 2 hours, checking them and adding water if they get too dry.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Tips:
- These can be frozen for quick ready to cook or reheat meals.
- Extend cooking time if using them from a frozen state.
- Do not place in the microwave or toaster oven even to reheat them.
- Alternately, they steamed into a steamer device.
- Serve alongside rice, noodles, or potatoes and a fresh green salad.
Three parchment meat-packet recipes, the Armenians call them little diapers. Children can have fun unwrapping their dinner and they store easy in the freezer for cooking or reheating later in the month. This is a great recipe for cheap and tough cuts of meat.
Photo credits available upon request