Grilled cod foil packets recipe is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts like me. I recently had the pleasure of trying it out on a camping trip with friends, and let me tell you, it was a huge hit. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and cook, even in the great outdoors.
What I love about this grilled cod foil packets recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables and seasonings. For our camping trip, we kept it simple with some lemon slices, garlic, and parsley. But you could easily add some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions to make it a hearty meal.
One of the biggest advantages of this grilled cod foil packets recipe is that it’s a one-packet wonder. You simply place the cod fillet in the center of a piece of foil, add your desired toppings, and fold it up. Then, throw it on the grill or over the campfire, and let the magic happen. The result is a moist and flaky piece of fish that’s infused with all the flavors of your chosen ingredients.
I was also impressed by how little cleanup was required. Since everything is contained in the foil packet, you don’t have to worry about scrubbing pots and pans or dealing with a messy campsite. And let’s be real, when you’re camping, the last thing you want to do is spend hours cleaning up after dinner.
What really surprised me, though, was how well the cod held up to the grilling process.
I’ve had my fair share of overcooked fish in the past, but this grilled cod foil packets recipe ensures that the cod comes out perfectly cooked every time. And the best part? You can cook it to your desired level of doneness, whether that’s medium rare or well done.
Overall, I’m so glad we decided to give the grilled cod foil packets recipe a try on our camping trip. It’s definitely going to become a staple in our outdoor cooking repertoire. And if you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to try on your next adventure, I highly recommend giving it a shot.
Cooking Instructions For the Easy Grilled Cod Foil Packets Recipe
- The first step of making the grilled cod foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the grilled cod foil packets recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Tear off two, 18-inch pieces of aluminum foil. Spray the center of each one with cooking spray and set aside.
- Add the vegetables to a mixing bowl and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper after adding roughly half of the fresh herbs. Place roughly a cup of veggies in the middle of each foil package.
- Place a fish fillet on top of the vegetables in each package. Rub the remaining olive oil onto the cod fillets. Season with salt and pepper and add the remaining herbs. Squeeze the lemon juice on the cod and veggies.
- Fold each piece of foil in half around the fish and vegetables. Roll the sides to create a fully sealed foil packet.
- Place the packets on the grill, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are soft.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Ingredients
zucchini
tomatoes
green beans
olive oil
oregano
thyme
cod fillets
lemon
salt
black pepper
Cooking spray
Why I Love This Easy Grilled Cod Foil Packets Recipe
Cooking with foil packets is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:
Ease of Preparation:
1. Minimal Prep Time: Preparing foil packet meals is usually quick and straightforward, often involving simply chopping ingredients and seasoning them before wrapping in foil.
Simple Ingredients: Many foil packet recipes require basic, readily available ingredients.
2. Convenience:
No Need for Pots and Pans: Foil packets eliminate the need for multiple cooking utensils and dishes.
Portability: Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips.
3. Versatility:
Variety of Recipes: Almost any meal can be adapted for foil packet cooking, from breakfast to dessert.
Suitable for Various Cooking Methods: Foil packets can be cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in coals.
4. Flavor Enhancement:
Sealed Cooking: The sealed packets trap steam, helping to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Even Cooking: Foil packets promote even cooking by distributing heat uniformly.
5. Easy Cleanup:
Disposable: After cooking, the foil can be disposed of, reducing the need for washing dishes.
Less Mess: The foil contains the food and any cooking juices, minimizing spills and mess.
6. Healthier Cooking:
Less Oil Needed: The steaming effect of foil packets often requires less oil or fat for cooking.
Nutrient Retention: Cooking in foil packets can help retain nutrients in the food since it cooks in its own juices.
7. Portion Control:
Individual Servings: Foil packets can be easily portioned out for individual servings, making it easier to manage meal sizes.
Customizable: Each packet can be customized to accommodate individual dietary preferences or restrictions.
8. Safety:
Reduced Risk of Contamination: Cooking food in sealed packets reduces the risk of cross-contamination, especially important when dealing with raw meat.
Controlled Cooking Environment: The packets help control the cooking environment, reducing the risk of food falling into the fire or grill.
9. Fuel Efficiency:
Shorter Cooking Times: Foil packets often require less cooking time, conserving fuel.
Efficient Heat Use: The packets make efficient use of the heat source, whether it’s a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
10. Fun and Interactive:
Group Activity: Making foil packets can be a fun group activity, allowing everyone to assemble their own meals.
Creative Cooking: Campers can get creative with their recipes, trying different ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.
These reasons make foil packet cooking a favored method among campers, providing practicality, efficiency, and enjoyment.
Campfire Foil Packet Cooking Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will help prevent tearing as you handle the packs and flip them over the campfire/grill.
Take advantage of indirect heat. When cooking over a campfire, you’ll want to use embers/coals, rather than placing the packets right over a roaring fire.
Flip the packets. Turn the packets over every once in a while to make sure they cook evenly.
Protect your hands: We like to use heat-resistant gloves or extra-long BBQ tongs when handling hot foil packets.
Use a meat thermometer. When it comes to foil pack recipes, we highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through. Take a packet off the fire, carefully open it (it will be full of steam!), and check the temp of a few pieces. If the meat needs more time, re-seal the packet and put it back on the fire to cook for a while longer.
What Are Foil Packets and How Do I Use Them
Campfire foil packets are dishes prepared on a campfire or grill packaged in foil and served all at once. You might have tried them previously or seen others camping with food wrapped in tinfoil and thrown on a grill to cook together.
Like a one-pot dinner, all of the ingredients cook altogether within the foil, resulting in a steaming, tender, and wonderful all-in-one dish. Foil packages can be prepared over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.
This dish is extremely adjustable, so if someone doesn’t like onions, for instance, you may substitute it with green beans, making it ideal for a group. These are a few typical items found in foil packs.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
What Exactly is a Foil Pack Meal?
A foil pack dinner, also known as a hobo package or foil packet dinner? is a complete meal composed of vegetables, meats, carbohydrates, and spices wrapped in many layers of aluminum foil. It’s cooked over campfire embers, on the grill, or in the oven. The tight closure retains moisture while steam cooks the food within the package.
Additionally, there are several vegetable and protein combos that may be used to create quick foil pack camping dinners. For example, in this package, I combine asparagus, chicken, and potatoes with garlic flavor.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
How To Make Foil Packets
- Tear out a 16-inch piece of tinfoil.
- Place the meal onto the foil sheet.
- Fold up both long edges of the foil until the ends touch above the meal.
- Double fold both ends, allowing heat circulation inside.
- To close the packet, double fold the two short ends.
Make Ahead Tips For the Easy Grilled Cod Foil Packets Recipe
Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire
The first step is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them a lot so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Campfire Cooking Tools
Kitchen Twine
Mixing Bowl
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Grate
Knives
Campfire Cooking Utensils
Campfire Serving Utensils
Campfire Fork or Tongs
Fire Proof Cooking Gloves
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Foil Paper Non Stick
FAQ For the Easy Grilled Cod Foil Packets Recipe
Q: What is the benefit of using foil packets in the grilled cod foil packets recipe?
A: Using foil packets in the grilled cod foil packets recipe has several benefits. It allows for even cooking and helps to retain moisture and flavors within the packet. The foil also makes cleanup a breeze, as all the ingredients and seasonings are contained within the packet. Additionally, foil packets enable individual servings, making it a great option for a crowd or for meal prep.
Q: Can I use any type of fish instead of cod in the grilled cod foil packets recipe?
A: While cod works beautifully in this recipe, you can experiment with other mild-flavored white fish such as tilapia, mahi-mahi, or snapper. However, avoid using oily fish like salmon or mackerel, as they may become too greasy when cooked in these grilled cod foil packets recipe. If you do decide to use a different type of fish, adjust the cooking time according to its thickness and your desired level of doneness.
Q: How do I prevent the cod from sticking to the foil in the grilled cod foil packets recipe?
A: To prevent the cod from sticking to the foil, make sure to spray the foil with cooking spray or brush it with a small amount of oil before adding the fish and other ingredients. You can also add a layer of lemon slices or herbs like parsley or thyme between the fish and the foil to create a barrier and add extra flavor.
Q: Can I prepare the grilled cod foil packets recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them?
A: Yes, you can prepare the grilled cod foil packets recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. If refrigerating, assemble the packets up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below. If freezing, assemble the packets, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw frozen packets overnight in the refrigerator or cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How do I know when the cod is cooked through in the grilled cod foil packets recipe?
A: To ensure the cod is cooked through, check for an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) using a food thermometer. You can also check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork; it should flake easily and be opaque and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook the fish for a few more minutes, as undercooked fish can be a food safety risk.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Campfire Gnocchi Foil Packets Recipe
Campfire Foil Packet Shrimp Pasta Recipe
Campfire Poblano n Potato Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Goat Cheese Pasta w Tomatoes Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Grilled Sausage w Peppers Foil Packets Recipe
Easy Grilled Cod Foil Packets Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Twine
- mixing bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 1 zucchini thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 20 green beans cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin - divided
- 1 tbsp oregano chopped fresh
- 1 tbsp thyme fresh leaves
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- The first step of making the grilled cod foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the grilled cod foil packets recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Tear off two, 18-inch pieces of aluminum foil. Spray the center of each one with cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine the veggies in a mixing bowl and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper after incorporating about half of the fresh herbs. Place about a cup of vegetables in the center of each foil packet.
- Put a fish fillet on top of the veggies in each packet. Rub the remaining olive oil on the fish fillets. Season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining herbs. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and vegetables.
- Fold each piece of foil in half around the fish and veggies. Roll the sides to form a completely sealed foil packet.
- Place the packets on the grill, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Nutrition
1 comment
firm, juicy and tasty, i loved it
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