Quick Easy Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
If you’re searching for a simple yet gourmet dish that tantalizes your taste buds, look no further than this Quick Easy Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce. This recipe combines the delicate flavors of fresh cod with a zesty, buttery sauce that elevates the dish to new heights. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning when plated.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for serving
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that the cod cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a flaky texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in the dish.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk together until well blended. This sauce will infuse the cod with rich, tangy flavors.
Step 4: Season the Cod
Drizzle half of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Use the remaining sauce to baste the cod halfway through the baking process for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Cod
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the fillets.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with slices of lemon for an added burst of freshness.
Cooking Tips
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Choosing Fresh Cod: When selecting cod, look for firm fillets with a clean, ocean-like smell. Fresh fish should have a slight sheen and should not have a strong fishy odor.
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Butter Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider substituting olive oil for butter. This will maintain flavor while reducing calories.
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Additions and Variations: Feel free to customize your sauce by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or experiment with herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair your baked cod with steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. A side of fluffy quinoa or creamy mashed potatoes would also complement the dish beautifully.
Food Photography Ideas
To make your dish shine on social media or your food blog, consider these tips for food photography:
- Use natural light to highlight the textures and colors of the cod.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices to add visual appeal.
- Capture the dish from various angles, particularly from above to showcase the arrangement of the garnishes.
Further Exploration
If you’re intrigued by this recipe and want to explore more seafood dishes, check out these links for additional inspiration:
Conclusion
The Quick Easy Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress family and guests alike. Its simplicity in preparation and rich flavor profile makes it a go-to recipe in the kitchen. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and sides to make it your own. Happy cooking!
