Fish en Papillote Recipe (Cod Baked in Parchment)—Making Fish en Papillote is a beautiful method for cooking fish gently while locking in moisture and flavor. This recipe features cod, a mild fish that absorbs the beautiful flavors of red onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all wrapped up in parchment paper.

Serve with Crusty Bread.

Easy Fish en Papillote

This recipe encapsulates Italian and Mediterranean cooking—simple ingredients, easy techniques, and wholesome results. I know you’ll love this flavorful fish recipe as much as we do!

• Healthy and Light: Cooking fish en papillote (on parchment paper) is a superb way to prepare a healthy meal. It uses minimal oil and allows the ingredients to steam in their natural juices, preserving nutrients and flavors without the need for excessive fats.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of fresh herbs, vegetables, and lemon infuses the fish with vibrant flavors and creates a beautifully balanced dish. Each ingredient complements the others, resulting in a refined and satisfying taste. It’s an all-in-one meal!
• No Mess Cooking: Since everything cooks together in a parchment packet, there’s hardly any cleanup involved.
• Visually Impressive: Opening the parchment packet at the table can create a dramatic effect as the steam releases, revealing a colorful and appetizing meal. It’s perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Simple Ingredients

This easy fish en papillote recipe comes together with a few basic ingredients and creates the perfect meal.

• Fresh Cod Fillets: This lean fish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is the centerpiece of the dish. When cooked, it’s delicate and flaky, absorbing the flavors of the accompanying ingredients well.
• Red Onion: When baked, it adds a slight sharpness and sweetness, contributing a depth of flavor that complements the mild fish.
• Zucchini: Thinly sliced, zucchini offers a slightly sweet taste with a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the fish. It also adds moisture and helps to steam the fish inside the parchment.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness and acidity, brightening the dish and adding vibrant color.
• Fresh Herbs: A mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, and dill infuses the fish with fresh, aromatic flavors. Each herb contributes its unique note to create a harmonious flavor profile. Use a couple of sprigs of your favorite fresh herbs.
• Lemon Slices: Lemon adds a zesty, bright note, enhancing the other flavors with its acidity and balancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Provides a fruity base note, helping to keep the fish moist and adding a rich mouthfeel.
• Butter: Adds a hint of creaminess and richness, rounding out the flavors and ensuring the fish remains tender.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and bring out the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables.
• Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish, basil brings a fresh, peppery flavor that adds a final touch of freshness to the dish upon serving.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Baked Fish en Papillote

Simple and Quick! The cooking method and preparation for this dish are simple! It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. See the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.

Substitutions

You can easily swap out the cod for another type of fish or adjust the vegetables and herbs based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

Vegetables:

• Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced, they add sweetness and color to the dish.
• Carrots: Julienned or thinly sliced, carrots bring a slight crunch and sweetness.
• Spinach: When placed under the fish before baking, add a wilted, earthy component.
• Asparagus: Thinly sliced or chopped, asparagus offers a nice snap and a grassy flavor that pairs well with white fish.

Type of Fish:

• Salmon: Offers a richer flavor and higher fat content, which pairs beautifully with bold herbs like dill or tarragon.
• Halibut: A firmer fish that holds up well to the steaming process, providing a meatier texture.
• Tilapia: A budget-friendly option that works well with various flavors, though it’s more delicate and cooks quickly.
• Sea Bass: Offers a buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor, making it a luxurious choice for special occasions.

Variations

The next time you make cod en papillote, try it with these variations:

• Mediterranean Touch: Include olives, capers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese over the fish before sealing the packets.
• Lemon Juice and Fresh Garlic: Add minced garlic along with extra lemon slices for a more pronounced flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Introduce slices of jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat. Top with green onions. Add lime juice and citrus slices.

Equipment

• baking sheet
• parchment paper

How to Store and Reheat

• To Store, place leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To Reheat, place the contents in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps retain moisture and prevents the fish from drying out.

FAQs

More Recipes

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Easy Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe with Ricotta Cheese

Stuffed Tomatoes with Rice Recipe (Pomodori Con Riso)

Easy Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash Recipe

Pinsa Romana Recipe (Roman Style Pizza Dough)

What to Serve with Fish en Papillote

Ideas to serve with delicious recipes. More on what to serve with cod.

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