Prepare to revolutionize your seafood game with a recipe that will make your taste buds do a double-take! Imagine the delicate, flaky texture of perfectly baked cod transformed by an extraordinary coffee butter glaze that brings together the richness of the sea and the bold complexity of brewed coffee. This isn't just another fish dish - it's a gourmet experience that will have your dinner guests wondering how you became such a culinary genius in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp brewed coffee
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cod, ensuring that it cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the coffee butter. In a medium bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brewed coffee, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or a whisk to blend the ingredients together until they are well mixed and smooth.
- Take your cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the coffee butter adhere better to the fish and will promote a nice crust during baking.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. If desired, you can lightly grease the dish with a bit of oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Evenly spread the coffee butter mixture over the top of each cod fillet, making sure to cover them generously. The combination of flavors from the coffee and brown sugar will create a delicious glaze as the fish bakes.
- Once the oven is preheated, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the cod fillets for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- While the cod is baking, you can prepare any side dishes you’d like to serve with it, such as steamed vegetables or rice. These will complement the rich flavors of the baked cod.
- Once the cod is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the fish even more tender.
- Serve the baked cod hot, drizzled with any remaining coffee butter from the baking dish. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious seafood dish!
Tips
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry before applying the coffee butter to ensure a beautiful, even crust and prevent excess moisture.
- Use high-quality, freshly brewed coffee for the most robust flavor. A medium or dark roast works best for this recipe.
- Don't overcook the cod - fish is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish tough and dry.
- For an extra flavor boost, try using freshly ground coffee in the butter mixture for more intense coffee notes.
- If you're not a fan of coffee, you can substitute with a small amount of espresso powder for a more subtle flavor profile.
- Choose thick, center-cut cod fillets for the most consistent cooking and best texture.
- Let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 205kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 58mg
