Cod Papillote Peppers Cherry Tomatoes
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Flaky cod steamed in a parchment bundle with juicy bell peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes and basil — a light French-style dinner.
The original one-pot wonder. Cod steams flaky and moist inside a parchment parcel with juicy peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, and basil — a light French-style dinner that cleans up in seconds.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1 (200g) cod fillet, skinless
- 🫗 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 🫗 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 🫗 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🫗 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
- 🫗 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 🫗 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 🫗 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 🫗 Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Fold a large sheet of parchment in half and cut a half-heart shape, then open it flat.
Season the cod with salt and pepper.
Arrange the peppers, lemon slices and garlic in the center of one half of the parchment.
Lay the cod on top and scatter over the cherry tomatoes and basil.
Drizzle with olive oil, then fold the other half over and crimp the edges to seal tightly.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until the parcel puffs and the cod flakes easily. Open the packet at the table.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Overfilling the parcel, which prevents a proper seal and leaks steam.
- ✕
Baking too long, which dries out the delicate cod.
- ✕
Using wet parchment, which tears and lets the juices escape.
🔄 Variations
Swap cod for hake, basa or sole.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of white wine for flavor.
Use zucchini ribbons instead of peppers.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Best eaten fresh from the oven with the juices sealed inside.
- 📦
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 1 day and can be reheated briefly.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Seal the parchment tightly so steam accumulates and gently cooks the fish.
Tip 2: Leave a little room inside the parcel so the steam circulates around the cod.
Tip 3: Brush the edges of the parchment with water to help the crimps hold better.
❓ FAQ
What does en papillote mean? It means cooking in parchment paper, which steams the ingredients in their own juices for extra-tender results.
Is cod low in calories? Yes, a 200g fillet has about 160-175 calories and roughly 38g of protein.
Can I use foil instead of parchment? Yes, foil works, though parchment is lighter and easier to open at the table.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →