Imagine a culinary experience that transforms a simple cod fillet into a gourmet masterpiece with minimal effort. Our Lemon Herb Cod en Papillote is not just a recipe; it's a magical cooking technique that locks in flavors, creates a stunning presentation, and guarantees a perfectly cooked fish every single time. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this French-inspired dish will elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parchment paper for wrapping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the cod cooks evenly and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Prepare two large pieces of parchment paper, about 12x16 inches each. This will be used to create the papillote, or packet, for cooking the fish.
- Place one cod fillet in the center of each piece of parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space around the edges to fold the parchment securely.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each cod fillet. This will help keep the fish moist and enhance the flavor.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the fillets to taste. Be generous, as this will season the fish well.
- Place a few slices of lemon on top of each fillet. The lemon will infuse the fish with a bright, zesty flavor as it cooks.
- Evenly distribute the chopped fresh parsley and dill over the lemon slices and cod fillets. These herbs will add a fresh, aromatic quality to the dish.
- To create the papillote, fold the parchment paper over the fish and fold the edges together tightly to seal the packet. This will trap steam and keep the fish moist while cooking.
- Place the parchment packets on a baking sheet and transfer them to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the packets to rest for a minute before opening, as steam will escape when you unfold them.
- Serve the cod directly in the parchment for a rustic presentation, or transfer the fillets and vegetables to plates. Enjoy your Lemon Herb Cod en Papillote with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality cod fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Use parchment paper that's large enough to create a proper seal - this traps steam and infuses flavors.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with herb combinations - try adding thyme, basil, or chives for variety.
- Make sure to slice lemons thinly so they cook evenly and release their zesty essence.
- Check fish doneness by ensuring it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding thin slices of garlic or a splash of white wine inside the packet.
- Serve immediately after opening the packets to enjoy the full aromatic experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
