Name: Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs. cod, cut into four 6-oz filets of similar thickness; 4 tablespoons butter, melted (plus more for assembling parchment packets, optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme and chives recommended; alternatives include basil, dill, cilantro, oregano); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and cut into 8 slices; 12 whole sun-dried tomatoes, sliced in half; 2 small zucchini and/or summer squash, cut into 20 total slices; 1 cup roughly sliced scallions, cut into about ½-inch pieces; 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen and defrosted; 2 tablespoons capers or chopped olives

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 62 reviews

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels both elegant and effortless, the Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful French technique of cooking fish in parchment paper seals in all the moisture and flavors, resulting in a tender, flaky cod infused with aromatic garlic butter and a colorful medley of fresh vegetables. The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—each bite feels light yet indulgent, making it perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests without fuss. Let me take you through everything you need to make this irresistible meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image shows a woman's hand holding green onions while slicing them with a shiny silver knife on a white cutting board. The green onions are cut into short, bright green pieces arranged in a small pile near the center of the board. To the right, there is a small pile of dark red sun-dried tomatoes with a wrinkled texture. The cutting board is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture, adding a clean and fresh look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things refreshingly straightforward with a handful of ingredients that create a vibrant balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role: from the buttery richness and zesty lemon to the garden-fresh herbs and veggies, every element brings something special to the table.

1 ½ lbs. cod: Choose firm, fresh filets for the best flaky texture; other white fish like halibut or haddock work well too.
4 tablespoons butter, melted: The star for richness and moisture that carries the garlic and herb flavors beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance natural flavors without overpowering.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs: A fragrant mix like thyme and chives offers lovely aroma, but basil, dill, or oregano are wonderful alternatives.
1 clove garlic, minced: Adds depth and warmth to the garlic butter, waking up your taste buds.
1 lemon, zested and sliced: Lemon zest brightens the dish, and thin slices roast alongside the fish, perfect for squeezing at the end.
12 whole sun-dried tomatoes, halved: These bring a punch of tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery fish.
2 small zucchini and/or summer squash, sliced: Provides a tender, slightly sweet vegetable bite that complements the fish.
1 cup roughly sliced scallions: Mildly oniony with a crisp snap, adding a fresh crunch.
1 cup corn kernels: Sweet little bursts of flavor, whether fresh or defrosted frozen corn.
2 tablespoons capers or chopped olives: For that briny touch giving the dish a wonderful savory complexity.

How to Make Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cutting your cod into equal-sized filets to ensure even cooking. Chop the herbs finely and mince the garlic so their flavors release fully. Slice the zucchini and summer squash into thin rounds, ready to layer beautifully inside the parchment packets. Don’t forget to zest the lemon before slicing it thinly to maximize that bright citrus flavor.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. This simple garlic butter will infuse the fish and veggies with indulgent flavor and moisture as it gently bakes.

Step 3: Assemble the Parchment Packets

Cut large rectangles of parchment paper for each fish filet. Place a layer of zucchini and squash slices in the center, followed by some sun-dried tomatoes, corn kernels, and scallions. Top with the cod filet, then spoon over the garlic butter evenly. Scatter the capers or chopped olives, add a lemon slice on top, and finish with a sprinkle of herbs. Fold the parchment carefully into a sealed packet to trap steam and heat during baking. A little extra melted butter brushed on the edges keeps the paper from burning and helps seal the packet tightly.

Step 4: Bake the Fish

Place the parchment packets on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes. The fish cooks gently in its own steam, absorbing all the flavorful butter and aromatic herbs while the veggies soften to perfect tenderness.

How to Serve Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe

A white plate with a piece of white fish on parchment paper rests on a white marbled surface. The fish is topped and surrounded with two slices of yellow lemon, small dark green capers, and chopped green herbs, with some thin red chili pieces and yellow corn kernels underneath. A silver fork is gently touching the fish, with a woman's hand likely holding it out of frame. The fish looks soft and lightly seasoned with black pepper, and there is some light sauce pooling around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To finish your beautiful Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe, sprinkle fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives over the opened packets for a fresh, vibrant touch. A little extra lemon juice squeezed just before serving brightens the luscious flavors and lifts the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the fish shine. Think fluffy rice pilaf, buttery new potatoes, or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices also make a fantastic accompaniment to soak up any buttery juices left in the parchment.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun with this recipe! Serve the packets right at the table so your guests can enjoy the dramatic paper unraveling and the fragrant steam that escapes. Alternatively, carefully transfer the fish and veggies onto plates with the vibrant roasted lemon slices on top. For a casual vibe, serve the fish over a bed of sautéed greens or creamy polenta for a heartier twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, allow the packets to cool to room temperature, then store the fish and veggies in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining their delicate flavors and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, note that the texture of the veggies may change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze the recipe ahead of time, assemble the packets but do not bake them. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap the leftovers and place them in a baking dish covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible, as it can make the fish rubbery and unevenly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is perfect for its mild flavor and firm flesh, you can try halibut, tilapia, haddock, or even salmon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner fillets.

Do I need parchment paper specifically, or can I use foil?

Parchment paper is ideal for this cooking technique because it allows the fish to steam gently while remaining tender. Foil can work but tends to trap more moisture and can sometimes cause the fish to overcook or become soggy.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? Can I skip them?

Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes if you don’t have them on hand. They add a lovely tangy sweetness, but the dish will still be flavorful and fresh thanks to the garlic butter, herbs, and lemon.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. It’s a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten.

How do I know when the fish is cooked perfectly?

The fish is done when it easily flakes apart with a fork and is opaque in the center. Since this method cooks the fish gently in its own steam, it rarely dries out, so checking at around 15 minutes is a good rule of thumb.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe a try—it’s such a rewarding way to enjoy fresh fish that feels special without requiring complicated steps. Between the fragrant herbs, buttery garlic goodness, and the vibrant veggies, it’s a dish that impresses on every level. Perfect for cozy nights or when you want to treat yourself to something delicious yet simple, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites too.

Fish en Papillote with Garlic Butter and Veggies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need