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Easy Lemon Garlic Cod in Parchment Recipe with Asparagus and Tomatoes

lemon garlic cod - featured image

A quick and easy baked cod recipe steamed in parchment paper with lemon, garlic, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each, skinless and boneless)
  • 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced plus zest
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (about 150 g), halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • Black pepper, to taste (about ¼ teaspoon)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Cut four large sheets of parchment paper (about 12×16 inches each) to hold each cod fillet and vegetables.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt (about ½ teaspoon), and black pepper (¼ teaspoon). Stir well.
  4. Place an even handful of asparagus pieces and cherry tomato halves in the center of each parchment sheet. Drizzle a little of the lemon garlic sauce over the veggies.
  5. Lay one cod fillet on top of the vegetables on each parchment sheet. Season the fish with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Lay 2-3 thin lemon slices on top of each cod fillet.
  7. Spoon the remaining lemon garlic mixture evenly over the fish and vegetables.
  8. Fold the parchment paper over the fish and veggies, then crimp the edges tightly to create a sealed packet.
  9. Place the packets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  10. Carefully open one packet to check doneness. If ready, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each packet before serving.
  11. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for heat.

Notes

Do not overfill the parchment packets to allow steam circulation. Use fresh garlic and lemon zest for best flavor. Seal packets tightly to trap steam and moisture. Check fish doneness at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking. You can substitute cod with haddock, halibut, or salmon, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic cod, baked cod, cod in parchment, healthy seafood recipe, asparagus recipe, cherry tomatoes, quick dinner, easy fish recipe