MSG Free Cod en Papillote with Lemon, Herbs & Vegetables
Cooking fish at home can feel intimidating, but this parchment-packet method is genuinely foolproof and produces results that look far more impressive than the effort involved. Each portion steams inside its own sealed pouch, locking in the bright flavors of lemon, thyme, and parsley while the zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes turn perfectly tender beneath the fillet. Because everything is built from whole, fresh ingredients — olive oil, herbs, vegetables, and a squeeze of real lemon juice — there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden flavor enhancers sneaking into your dinner. That peace of mind is genuinely hard to find with a lot of store-bought sauces and seasoning blends, so keeping things this clean and simple is a real advantage. The packets puff up beautifully in the oven, and opening one at the table releases a cloud of fragrant steam that makes the whole meal feel like an event. It's light, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to whatever vegetables you have on hand, but the combination here is hard to beat.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!