Introduction
Baked cod with lemon butter is a delicious and light seafood dish that combines the delicate flavor of cod with the refreshing zest of lemon and the richness of butter. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a healthy yet flavorful meal. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the fish to shine, while the lemon butter sauce adds the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
Ingredients:
4 cod fillets (about 170-200g each)
50g unsalted butter, melted
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for greasing)
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Prepare the lemon butter sauce
In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
Season the cod fillets
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season each fillet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring that each piece is well-coated.
Bake the cod
Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Serve
Once the cod is baked, remove it from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a light salad. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. While reheating, be careful not to overcook the cod, as it can become dry.
Variations:
