In the summer, my go-to meals are always quick and easy foil packets cooked on the grill.
Grilled foil packets are a favorite of mine for many reasons:
- The possibilities are endless. Just take whatever fresh, in-season ingredients you have on hand, toss them into foil packets, and let the grill work its magic, deliciously melding and blending basic ingredients into very flavorful bites.
- There’s no need for a sweltering kitchen for this hot meal, since the grill does all of the work. In mid-July, this is a big deal.
- Best of all: foil packets make for the easiest clean-up ever, with absolutely no pots and pans to wash. Any time of the year, this is a very big deal.
My favorite part of this grilled foil packet recipe is that it’s ready in about 20 minutes.
Chris and I both love the fresh and light summer flavors, like tender white fish, garlic, ripe tomatoes, and basil.
And the results are scrumptious: flaky grilled fish and warm cooked tomatoes are complemented by flavorful white wine, garlic, and rich olive oil.
The subtle flavors just sing summer, they’re so light and fresh.
Here’s the recipe for Tomato-Basil Grilled Fish Foil Packets:
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20-Minute Tomato-Basil Grilled Fish Foil Packets
- Category: Fish & Seafood Dishes
- Method: Grill
Description
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces wild cod (or other white fish such as haddock or halibut)
- 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons basil, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare grill for medium-high heat (about 400 degrees F).
- Tear off two large squares of aluminum foil, each about 10 inches in length. Fold each in half to create a fold line, then open, like a book.
- Cut the fish into two equally-sized portions and place one piece in the center of the left half of each piece of foil, near the fold line.
- Arrange equal amounts of tomato and garlic over each piece of fish.
- Season well with salt and pepper.
- Fold up the sides of the left half of the foil, creating a ’bowl’ that contains the food.
- Whisk together the olive oil, wine, and onion powder until thoroughly combined.
- Drizzle the oil mixture all over the fish and tomatoes.
- Fold over the right half of the foil, covering the food. Carefully roll the top half of the foil together with the edges of the left half of the foil, sealing all edges and creating an air-tight packet.
- Place the packets right-side-up (with the tomatoes on top) directly on the grill. Cook for about 10 minutes.
- Use a spatula to remove the packets from the grill, and plate.
- Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut a slit through the top center of each packet to fold open. Open carefully – the steam that will rise from each packet is very hot. Check to be sure fish is opaque and cooked through to the center. If fish is not cooked through, place back on the grill for 5-7 minutes more.
- Top the fish with freshly chopped basil.
- Serve the fish pockets directly in the foil to retain all of the flavors from the oil, wine, and seasoning.
For Related Recipes, Check Out:
Grilled Vegetable Pasta with White Wine and Parmesan
Summer Grilled Coconut-Lime White Fish Packets
Grilled Vegetable and Black Bean Fajitas
What gorgeous packets, the ingredients look so fresh and delicious 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I know this is a bit odd, but could I cook this in the oven (I don’t have a grill)?
Author
Yes, absolutely! I haven’t cooked this particular recipe in the oven yet, but my best guess would be to cook the foil packets (placed on a baking sheet) at 400 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes. Thanks so much for your comment 🙂
For a more sustainable option you should try using tilapia instead of cod or halibut. The Marine Conservation Society’s list of “fish to eat” includes tilapia as a more sustainable alternative to cod and halibut which are both on the “fish to avoid” list because they are widely overfished and inefficiently managed. I tried this recipe with tilapia and it was just as tasty!
HI LADIES,
I DON’T ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE TO USE THE GRILL. CAN I PREPARE THE FOIL PACK MEALS IN THE OVEN OR AIR FRYER ? IF SO, AT WHAT TEMPERATURE AND TIME ?
Author
Yes, this foil pack meal is perfect for the oven! I recommend 375 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes.
I just returned from the grocery store with all the ingredients to make this recipe tomorrow! I chose fresh never frozen cod fillets and I chose a Portuguese (Lisbon) blended white wine for the sauce base. I can’t wait to see how it comes out! Thanks for the super simple recipe and equally breezy cleanup idea!!