Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as delightful as it is simple? Dive into the Mediterranean with our Baked Cod Fish with Lemon and Capers—a recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests! In just 20 minutes, you can create a vibrant, healthy meal that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky cod, zesty lemon, and briny capers will transport you to sun-soaked shores with every bite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cod fillets cook evenly and develop a nice, flaky texture.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps in achieving a nice sear and prevents the fish from becoming soggy.
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated. This will enhance the flavor and help in browning the fish.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the cod fillets. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Evenly distribute the capers over the fillets. The briny flavor of the capers will complement the cod beautifully.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fillets, ensuring each piece of fish has at least one slice. The lemon will add brightness and acidity to the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the fish.
- Garnish the baked cod with fresh dill before serving. The dill adds a fresh, herbal note that pairs well with the lemon and capers.
- Serve the baked cod hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Preheat for Perfection: Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and a beautifully flaky texture on your cod fillets.
- Moisture Management: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels before cooking. This simple step helps achieve a nice sear and prevents the fish from becoming soggy.
- Generous Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! A good amount of seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the dish, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
- Capers and Lemon Love: Distributing the capers evenly over the fillets allows their briny flavor to infuse the fish, while lemon slices add a refreshing acidity. Make sure each piece of fish gets a slice!
- Check for Doneness: Bake the cod for about 12 to 15 minutes, but keep an eye on it. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked cod to rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful fish.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh dill before serving. It adds a lovely herbal note that complements the dish beautifully.
- Pair Perfectly: Serve your baked cod with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 217kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
