Beef Free Cod en Papillote with Lemon, Herbs & Vegetables
Cooking fish in parchment is one of those techniques that feels fancy but is genuinely foolproof, and this version with lemon, fresh herbs, and a colorful mix of vegetables is a perfect example of why it works so well. Each fillet gets its own little sealed packet, so the cod steams gently in its own juices alongside zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and yellow bell pepper — everything tender and fragrant when you tear it open at the table. The bright hit of lemon rounds and a drizzle of good olive oil keep things light and Mediterranean without any heavy sauces or complicated prep. Since every ingredient here is straightforwardly plant- or seafood-based, there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden animal proteins sneaking into your dinner. The parchment seal locks in moisture, which means the cod comes out impossibly flaky rather than dry — a common pitfall with lean white fish. Opening the puffed packet at the table is genuinely a little theatrical, and the cloud of herb-scented steam that escapes makes it feel like a restaurant moment you pulled off in your own kitchen. Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley and serve it straight from the paper for minimal cleanup and maximum impact.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skin removed
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 piece yellow bell pepper
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Cut four sheets of parchment paper, each about 15 inches long. Fold each sheet in half to crease the center, then open flat on a baking sheet.
- 2
Divide the zucchini rounds and bell pepper slices evenly among the four parchment sheets, arranging them in a single layer on one half of each sheet, just off the center crease.
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