If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor, my healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe is just the ticket! This recipe shines with the bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon combined with the richness of butter, creating a delightful balance that makes your taste buds dance. Plus, it’s not only delicious but also a fantastic addition to a healthy lifestyle—low in calories and high in protein! Trust me, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a satisfying meal without the guilt. You’ll have it ready in no time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted for that rich, buttery flavor)
- 1 lemon (juiced, because fresh lemon juice brings out the best taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced; I love the depth it adds)
- Salt (to taste, don’t be shy, but start light!)
- Pepper (to taste, a little kick is always nice)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for a vibrant garnish and fresh touch)
How to Prepare the Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Now, let’s get into the fun part—preparing this delightful dish! I promise it’s super straightforward, and you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in about 30 minutes!
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for ensuring even cooking. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked fish, so let that oven warm up while you prepare the rest!
Step 2 – Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I can’t stress enough how important fresh lemon juice is—it really elevates the flavor! Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely blended. The aroma? Oh wow, you’re going to love it!
Step 3 – Arrange the Cod Fillets
Next, take your cod fillets and place them in a baking dish. Make sure they’re laid out in a single layer so they cook evenly. If you want to get fancy, you can lightly grease the dish with a bit of olive oil or extra butter to prevent sticking.
Step 4 – Combine and Bake
Now, pour that luscious lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets, making sure they’re well coated. It’s going to look gorgeous! Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork and the fish is cooked through. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes overcooked fish!
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
Finally, take the cod out of the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for that vibrant pop of color. Serve it up with your favorite sides—steamed veggies or a crisp salad make great companions! Enjoy every bite of this healthy, lemony goodness!
Tips for Success
To really knock this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe out of the park, I’ve got some handy tips that will ensure your fish turns out perfectly every time!
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh fish and ingredients when possible. It makes a world of difference in flavor!
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: If you have a bit of extra time, marinate the cod in the lemon butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking. It adds an extra layer of flavor that’s simply divine.
- Seasoning is Key: Taste as you go! Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. A pinch of paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick too!
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overcook your cod—just look for that beautiful flaky texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with quinoa, rice, or a light pasta. And don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon on top just before serving for that zesty finish!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious variations to my healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe! Here are some fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Different Fish: While cod is fantastic, you can try this recipe with other types of fish like haddock, tilapia, or even salmon. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary a bit!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil into the lemon butter mixture for an extra burst of flavor. Each herb brings its own unique twist!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the lemon butter mix. It’s a great way to spice things up!
- Vegetable Medley: Toss some thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus into the baking dish alongside the cod for a colorful, nutritious one-pan meal.
- Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus juices! Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a delightful change in flavor that still keeps it fresh and zesty.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect dish. The beauty of cooking is making it your own, so have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe, you can feel good about what you’re eating! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods. But overall, you can enjoy this dish knowing it’s low in calories and high in protein, making it a perfect fit for your healthy eating goals!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my tips to make your cooking experience even smoother:
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod fillets completely before baking. This way, they’ll cook evenly and absorb all that delicious lemon butter goodness.
What can I serve with the lemon butter baked cod?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some fluffy quinoa. It’s all about balancing flavors and textures, so feel free to mix and match!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! You can definitely prepare this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe ahead of time. Just store the cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its flaky texture.
Can I substitute the butter for a healthier option?
If you want to lighten it up, you can try using olive oil instead of butter. It’ll still give you that lovely richness while adding healthy fats to the dish!
How do I know when the cod is done cooking?
The cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: This healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Health Benefits: Low in calories and high in protein, it’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious meal that fits into your healthy lifestyle.
- Bright Flavors: The combination of fresh lemon and rich butter creates a vibrant flavor profile that’s sure to please your taste buds.
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a wholesome dinner ready without spending all evening in the kitchen.
- Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, so you can mix and match to keep your meals exciting!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this tasty fish dish, making it great for the whole family.
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe: 5 Simple Steps
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe that is simple and delicious.
Składniki
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a salad.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cod fillet
- Kalorie: 200
- Cukier: 0g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 4g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 1g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe
