This easy Cod en Papillote recipe features flaky, tender cod baked in parchment with a bold chili lime seasoning, sweet corn, red onions, fresh lime juice, and a pat of butter. The parchment packet locks in moisture and flavor, making this a foolproof method for perfectly baked fish every time.
If you're craving another baked fish recipe, be sure to try the Brown Sugar Dijon Glazed Salmon as well.
Before You Bake, Read This!
💬 The Vibe: Light, fresh, and packed with citrusy, buttery flavor.
🔑 What You Gotta Know: Make sure you tightly seal the parchment paper to trap in the steam and prevent any juices from leaking out.
🍴 Best Bite Alert: Spoon any extra juices from the parchment over the fish when serving for even more flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-fuss, one-packet meal.
- Moist, tender fish every time.
- Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Easy cleanup.
- Naturally gluten-free and customizable.
What Is Cod en Papillote?
"En papillote" is a French cooking method that means "in paper." It’s a classic technique for baking fish and vegetables inside a parchment paper packet, allowing them to steam in their own juices. The result? Perfectly moist, flavorful fish without the risk of overcooking.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Cod Fillets – About 4–6 oz each. Skinless and boneless preferred.
- Parchment Paper – Large enough to wrap each fish fillet.
- Chili Lime Seasoning – You could substitute your favorite spice blend for fish.
- Whole Kernel Corn – Fresh, canned (drained), or frozen.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced.
- Butter – Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed.
- Optional: Fresh Lime Slices – For added flavor and garnish.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to Make Cod en Papillote
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and adjust the rack to the center.
Prep the Packets: Cut 4 large rectangles of parchment paper. They should be big enough to fold over the fish with space to seal the edges.
Season the Fish: Generously season both sides of each cod fillet with chili lime seasoning.
Assemble the Packets:
- Place a layer of corn in the center of each parchment sheet.
- Add a seasoned cod fillet on top.
- Top with red onion slices, a small pat of butter, a squeeze of lime juice, and an optional lime slice.
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Seal the Parchment:
- Fold the short ends over the fish.
- Bring the long sides together and fold them over each other, rolling tightly to seal.
Bake: Place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The parchment should puff up slightly.
Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 2–3 minutes, then carefully open the packets (watch for steam). Spoon the juices over the fish and serve warm. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Foil works well and seals just as tightly.
Absolutely. Salmon, halibut, or tilapia also work well. Just adjust baking time based on thickness.
The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Use a mandoline for thin, even onion slices.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or grape tomatoes.
- Swap the chili lime seasoning for lemon pepper or garlic herb.
- Try adding a splash of white wine to the packets for more depth.
More Easy Seafood Recipes
Have any comments, questions, or delicious ways to enjoy Cod en Papillote? Share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear!
📖 Recipe
Cod en Papillote (Cod in Parchment)
Equipment
- Parchment paper (4 sheets)
- 1 Sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound (3-4 pieces) cod or your favorite fish
- 1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning blend, such as Tajin
- 1 cup whole kernel corn
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 teaspoons Lime juice
- 4 slices of fresh lime (optional)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F and adjust the rack to the center.
- Cut 4 large rectangles of parchment paper. They should be big enough to fold over the fish with space to seal the edges.
- Generously season both sides of each cod fillet with 1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning.
- Assemble the Packets: Place a layer of the ¼ cup corn in the center of each parchment sheet. Add a seasoned cod fillet on top. Top with some of the ¼ cup red onion, a small pat of the 2 tablespoons of butter, a drizzle of 2 teaspoons lime juice, and an optional lime slice.
- Seal the Parchment: Fold the short ends over the fish. Bring the long sides together and fold them over each other, rolling tightly to seal.
- Place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The parchment should puff up slightly.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 2–3 minutes, then carefully open the packets (watch for steam). Spoon the juices over the fish and serve warm.
- Serve warm topped with your favorite fresh toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced grape tomatoes, avocado, or salsa blend. Store any leftovers in an airtight container up to 1 day.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for thin, even onion slices.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or grape tomatoes.
- Swap the chili lime seasoning for lemon pepper or garlic herb.
- Try adding a splash of white wine to the packets for more depth.
Original post date 06/12/2020. Updated 04/28/2025.
Jean says
We loved this recipe. I had doubled the recipe; with our leftovers we made tacos, adding guac and lettuce. . Yum!
LaKita says
Sounds perfect!!
j Kerwin says
I must say this was an excellent recipe ! Cod turned out perfect. Wonderful taste, easy to make, and no mess. Here's a tip... when I folded up the parchment paper It would not stay sealed so I simply used a couple of paper clips to keep it together.
JJK
LaKita says
Thank you and thanks for the paper clip tip, perfect!
M. Lums says
Thanks for the paperclip tip J Kerwin, worked beautifully!
LaKita says
Happy to hear about the paperclip tip, genius!
SUNNY GRINNELL says
SOOOO delicious!!! But I sprayed lime juice all over the raw fish before sprinkling on the spices (also added some Panko into spice mix!) and it came out incredibly yummy. Will be making this at least once a week, thank you!
LaKita says
Thank you! So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe and love the addition of Panko!
M. Lums says
This recipe was outstanding!! Super flavorful & so easy to make. Definitely going into my rotation. Couldn't find the seasoning mix, so I made my own. Also added halved yellow cherry tomatoes to the packet before cooking, which gave it a nice sweetness. Must use fresh limes - it makes all the difference. Thank you, thank you!!
LaKita says
Thank you so much, happy to hear the recipe was a success. Definitely use fresh limes 🙂
Jackie Clevenger says
Easy to prepare although I didn't have the seasoning so I googled and followed instructions for substitutions. The fish was delicious . Cleanup non-existent 🙂 I added the tomatoes along with the onion and butter. We both enjoyed it. Thank you.
LaKita says
Hi Jackie! Glad to hear this recipe worked well for you! Love the addition of tomatoes!