Cod With Asparagus in Parchment

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for the packets
  • 3/4 pound slender asparagus spears, trimmed to 7-inch lengths
  • 1/4 stick (2 tablespoons) butter
  • 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 4 6-ounce cod fillets, pin bones removed
  • 4 slices prosciutto, halved lengthwise

Preparation

Step 1

Simply place a fillet of cod and a few stalks of asparagus on parchment paper or aluminum foil, wrap them tightly and place the packet in a hot oven. The moisture and accompanying flavors are trapped. The result is a moist cod fillet infused with flavor.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Cut four 12-inch squares of parchment paper or aluminum foil and drizzle a bit of oil over the center of each square.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Add the asparagus and saute until bright green but not cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the asparagus to a plate; set aside.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the butter to the skillet. When the butter melts, add the garlic paste and cook, stirring, until pale golden, about 1 minute. Add the lemon juice and zest and black pepper; remove from the heat.

Place a cod fillet in the center of each piece of paper or foil. Spoon 1/4 of the garlic-lemon mixture on top of each fillet, and on top of that arrange 1/4 of the asparagus spears. Drape 1 slice of the prosciutto over the asparagus.

Fold the edges of the paper or foil up and over the fish and seal to make 4 packets. Transfer the packets to a rimmed baking sheet and roast until the fish is cooked through, about 10 minutes per inch of thickness.

Carefully open each packet and, using a spatula, transfer the contents to individual plates. Pour the juices from each packet over each fillet and serve immediately.