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Easy Flavor-Packed Foil Packet Fish Recipe for Quick Grilled or Baked Meals

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A quick and easy foil packet fish recipe that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort, perfect for grilling or baking. This adaptable dish is tender, juicy, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) fillets of firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or haddock (fresh or thawed if frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium fresh lemon, sliced thinly (plus extra lemon wedges for serving)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste (kosher salt preferred)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Small pat of butter (optional, for added richness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your cooking surface: If grilling, heat to medium-high (around 400°F). For oven baking, preheat to 425°F.
  2. Tear off four 12×12 inch sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil and lightly oil each sheet to prevent sticking.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fragrant.
  4. Place a few lemon slices in the center of each foil sheet. Lay one fish fillet on top.
  5. Brush the fish generously with the herb and oil mixture. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion around the fish. Add a small pat of butter if desired.
  6. Fold the foil over the fish and crimp the edges tightly to create a sealed pouch, leaving some space inside for steam to circulate.
  7. Place packets on the grill rack or oven baking sheet. Cook for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
  8. Carefully open the packets, watch out for hot steam, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not over-season the fish before cooking as foil traps flavors well. Use fresh herbs for best taste. Leave some air space inside the foil packet to allow steam circulation and prevent fish from becoming flat. When grilling, avoid flare-ups by using indirect heat. Let packets rest for a minute after cooking to redistribute juices. You can prepare packets ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze raw packets for later use.

Nutrition

Keywords: foil packet fish, grilled fish, baked fish, quick fish recipe, easy dinner, healthy fish recipe, gluten-free fish, dairy-free fish