Steamed cod in parchment with mushrooms, and carrots

Lightly Pan Fry Cod in Parchment Paper

Sometimes you want a meal that feels a little special, but still light and not too heavy in calories. That’s when cooking in parchment paper becomes very useful.

This lightly pan-fried cod wrapped in parchment paper keeps the fish moist and flavorful while using very little oil. It feels a bit elegant, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Another benefit is convenience. You can make several portions at once and freeze them, making it easy to have a healthy, satisfying meal ready whenever you need it.

What is Parchment Paper Cooking?

Cooking in parchment paper is a technique where ingredients are wrapped and cooked in a sealed packet.
In Japanese cooking, this method is called “Tsutsumi-yaki” (paper grilling).

The packet traps steam while cooking, which keeps the fish moist and allows the flavors to blend together without needing much oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light but satisfying – This dish feels a little special while still keeping the calories relatively light.

Simple cooking method – Wrapping the cod in parchment paper keeps the fish moist and flavorful with very little effort.

Healthy and high in protein – Cod is naturally lean and a great source of protein, making this a balanced meal option.

Minimal oil needed – The parchment paper helps trap moisture and flavor, so you don’t need much oil to cook it well.

Great for meal prep – You can prepare several packets at once and freeze them for an easy meal later.

Lightly Pan Fry Cod in Parchment Paper

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: Cod, Fish, High Protein, Low Fat, quick
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Moist, delicate cod cooked in parchment paper and finished with a savory vegetable sauce, a light, wholesome dish perfect for everyday meals.

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz Cod fillets (seasoned with salt and pepper)
  • 1 cooking spray
  • 1 Small Thin strips carrot
  • 3-4 Shiitake
  • 1 cup Bean sprouts
  • 1 tsp Soy sauce and dashi
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

Method
 

Prepping
  1. Cut 2 large rectangles of parchment paper and lightly mist the parchment paper with cooking spray.
    Thinly slice the carrot, half the shiitake mushrooms and give the bean sprouts a quick rinse.
    Lightly season the cod with salt and pepper.
Wrap candy style
  1. Place a cod, and vegetables, in the center of each parchment paper. Sprinkle the dashi and soy sauce over the fish before sealing the parchment paper.
    Fold the paper over the fish, then twist both ends tightly like a candy.
Cook the fish
  1. Pan: Add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan and place the parcels in a pan. cook over medium low heat for 8-10miutes.
    Air fryer: The air fryer to heat ℉ and palace the wrapped parcels in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 2gCalories: 159kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 28gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 267mgPotassium: 813mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4244IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg

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