Imagine a dish that combines the delicate flakiness of perfectly roasted cod with the vibrant, fresh flavors of coriander and lime pesto - a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. This recipe isn't just another seafood dish; it's a symphony of textures and tastes that will transport your taste buds to a gourmet restaurant right in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal, this roasted cod recipe promises to be your new go-to seafood sensation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 2 cups rocket (arugula)
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander (cilantro)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temperature will help achieve a nice roast on the cod fillets.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the lime pesto. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh coriander (cilantro), the juice of one lime, and half of the olive oil (1/8 cup). Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Next, prepare the cod fillets. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining olive oil (1/8 cup) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Sear for about 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Once the cod is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the fillets for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- While the cod is roasting, prepare the wilted rocket (arugula). In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rocket and sauté for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- When the cod is done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
- To serve, place a generous portion of wilted rocket on each plate, top with a cod fillet, and drizzle the lime pesto over the fish. Enjoy your delicious roasted cod on wilted rocket with coriander and lime pesto!
Tips
- Always pat your cod fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for even heat distribution and the perfect sear.
- Don't overcook the fish - cod is delicate and becomes tough when cooked too long.
- Fresh ingredients are key: use freshly squeezed lime juice and just-picked rocket for maximum flavor.
- Let the fish rest for a minute after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- If you can't find rocket, baby spinach makes an excellent substitute.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a small clove of garlic to your lime pesto.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
