Imagine a dish so effortlessly elegant yet incredibly simple that it transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. This Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod is your ticket to culinary magic, promising a meal that's tender, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you looking like a professional chef with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure the cod cooks evenly and develops a nice golden color.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cod from sticking.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool slightly. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the butter and garlic mixture is cooling, season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is well coated in the buttery goodness.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the cod fillets. The lemon will add a fresh, zesty flavor as the fish bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in, which will help the cod cook through and remain tender.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the fish.
- Garnish the baked cod with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the garlic butter lemon baked cod hot, with your choice of sides such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cod: Select firm, bright white cod fillets with no discoloration for the best flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Fish: Let your cod sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
- Don't Overcook: Cod is delicate and cooks quickly. Watch carefully to prevent drying out - it should be opaque and flake easily.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for the most rich and luxurious flavor.
- Lemon Placement: Arrange lemon slices strategically to infuse maximum citrus essence into the fish.
- Foil Technique: Covering with foil initially helps retain moisture, creating a perfectly tender result.
- Fresh Herbs: Use freshly chopped parsley for garnish - it adds brightness and a professional touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
