Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish for a quick yet fancy dinner: baked lemon butter cod! This recipe is a total lifesaver when I want something light and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The way the buttery lemon sauce seeps into the flaky cod fillets is just heavenly. I remember the first time I made it for a small gathering; everyone was raving about how delicious it was! Trust me, this baked lemon butter cod is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal that feels indulgent. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious baked lemon butter cod:
- 4 cod fillets – Look for fresh, firm fillets that are about 6 ounces each for the best results.
- 4 tablespoons butter – I always use unsalted butter, so I can control the saltiness of the dish. Plus, it adds that rich flavor!
- 2 lemons (juiced) – Fresh lemons are key here! The juice brightens up the dish and balances the buttery richness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Trust me, don’t skip the garlic! It adds a lovely aromatic depth to the lemon butter.
- Salt to taste – Just a pinch will do, but feel free to adjust according to your preference.
- Pepper to taste – A little freshly cracked black pepper enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh touch to this delightful dish!
Make sure to have everything at the ready before you start cooking. It really makes the process smoother and so much more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Now, let’s get cooking! Preparing baked lemon butter cod is super straightforward, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how easy this dish is!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want that perfect cooking temperature for the cod.
- While the oven heats up, grab a baking dish and lay your cod fillets flat in there. Make sure they’re spaced out a bit so they can cook evenly.
- Next, let’s make our lemon butter sauce! In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to brown!
- Once the butter is melted, add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic. Stir it all together and let it simmer for just a minute—oh, the aroma is heavenly!
- Now, pour that luscious lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets, ensuring they’re well coated. Don’t be shy—use all that beautiful sauce!
- Season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste. This little step makes a big difference in flavor!
- Time to bake! Place your baking dish in the oven and let the cod cook for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it; you want it perfectly tender!
- Once baked, take it out and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful dish!
Remember: the key to perfect baked lemon butter cod is not to overcook it, so keep checking for that flaky goodness!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful baked lemon butter cod. Keep in mind, these values can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 24g
This dish is not only delicious but also a fantastic source of lean protein, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Enjoy the lightness of baked lemon butter cod without any guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a scrumptious meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Healthier Choice: Baked lemon butter cod is low in fat and packed with protein, making it a guilt-free option for dinner.
- Bright and Flavorful: The zesty lemon and rich butter create a deliciously balanced flavor that elevates the cod to a whole new level.
- Easy Cleanup: One baking dish means less mess, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes!
- Versatile Side Pairings: This dish goes wonderfully with a variety of sides, from steamed veggies to fluffy rice, giving you plenty of options.
- Impress Your Guests: It’s a simple recipe that looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for impressing family and friends at any gathering!
Trust me, once you try this baked lemon butter cod, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your baked lemon butter cod turns out absolutely perfect every single time! Here are my top tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Choose Fresh Cod: The fresher the fish, the better the flavor! Look for cod that has a mild aroma and firm texture. If you can, get it from a reputable fishmonger.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist. Overcooking can lead to dry fish!
- Experiment with Seasoning: While I love the classic lemon and garlic combo, feel free to add your favorite herbs like dill or thyme for an extra burst of flavor!
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the cod sit for a minute before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes for a juicier bite.
- Pair with Fresh Sides: Complement your cod with fresh sides like a crisp salad or roasted asparagus. Their brightness will elevate the whole meal!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure, a quick check with a meat thermometer can help! Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making baked lemon butter cod—your friends and family will be so impressed with your culinary skills!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit with your baked lemon butter cod, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! This dish is super versatile, and you can easily switch things around to keep it fresh and exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Herb-Infused Butter: Instead of plain butter, try infusing it with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill. Just add the herbs to the butter while it’s melting for an aromatic twist!
- Spicy Kick: Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter mixture. It brings a lovely warmth that pairs beautifully with the cod.
- Vegetable Medley: Toss some sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes in the baking dish with the cod. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the fish, soaking up all that lemony goodness!
- Asian Flair: Swap the lemon for lime and add a splash of soy sauce to the butter for a delightful Asian twist. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor!
- Citrus Blend: Mix things up with a combination of citrus juices! Try adding orange or grapefruit juice to the lemon butter for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Nutty Crust: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) over the cod before baking. It adds a delightful texture!
Feel free to experiment and tailor the baked lemon butter cod to your taste. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your perfect combo!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious baked lemon butter cod ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve with it! The right sides can really elevate your meal and complement those bright, zesty flavors. Here are some of my favorite pairings that will make your dinner feel complete:
- Steamed Vegetables: A medley of vibrant steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots adds a refreshing crunch and beautiful color to your plate. Drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice over them for extra zing!
- Fluffy Rice: Serve your cod over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. It soaks up the lemon butter sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight. You can even add some herbs or a touch of lime zest to the rice for a flavor boost!
- Quinoa Salad: If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, a light quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly. It’s nutritious, filling, and complements the cod wonderfully!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those cozy nights, creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a fantastic option. They provide a comforting contrast to the lightness of the fish, making it feel like a warm hug on a plate!
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch. The salad’s crunch and the cod’s flakiness create a lovely texture contrast!
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasting some asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt brings out its natural sweetness. Plus, the bright green color looks stunning next to the cod!
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you have on hand or what sounds good to you. Trust me, whatever you choose, your baked lemon butter cod will shine as the star of the meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious baked lemon butter cod leftovers? Lucky you! Storing and reheating this dish is super simple, and I’ve got all the tips to ensure it stays just as tasty as the first time around.
First things first, make sure the cod is completely cooled before storing. Then, place it in an airtight container, ideally with a bit of the lemon butter sauce to keep it moist. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to seal it tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge from sneaking in—nobody wants fishy leftovers!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture while it reheats. Pop it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s warmed through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and just starting to flake again—yum!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat it in the microwave. Just make sure to use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat it on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds until it’s warmed to your liking.
And there you have it! Simple storage and reheating tips that keep your baked lemon butter cod delicious and ready to enjoy again. Bon appétit!
Z nadrukami
Baked Lemon Butter Cod: 7 Irresistible Flavors to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Z niską zawartością tłuszczu
Opis
Baked lemon butter cod is a light and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare.
Składniki
- 4 cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, place the cod fillets.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add lemon juice and minced garlic to the melted butter.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
- Fresh lemon can be replaced with bottled lemon juice.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 fillet
- Kalorie: 220
- Cukier: 0g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 1g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: baked lemon butter cod
