This Lemon Butter Baked Cod features uncomplicated yet delicious ingredients. The delightful combination of parsley and lemon enhances the buttery texture of the flaky cod fillets, delivering a refreshing burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- Cod: Aim for fresh cod fillets whenever possible. Fresh fish always offers superior taste, but if using frozen cod, ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking.
- Butter: It’s best to have the butter at room temperature to easily create a paste before spreading it over the fish.
- Garlic: Opting for fresh garlic rather than garlic powder intensifies the flavor and enhances the taste of the cod.
- Spices: While salt and pepper are essential for basic seasoning, incorporating paprika and dried basil adds a flavorful herbaceous dimension.
- Lemon and parsley: Placing lemon slices on the cod before baking allows the citrus to infuse into the fish during cooking. Finely chopped parsley adds a refreshing burst of freshness, completing the dish.
Is Cod Healthy?
Absolutely! Cod is widely regarded as a highly nutritious fish. Here’s why:
Low Calorie: Similar to tuna, cod boasts lower fat content compared to salmon, making it a high-protein option with fewer calories.
Vitamins and Minerals: In addition to its low-calorie advantage, cod is rich in essential vitamins such as E, A, and C. Moreover, it’s packed with minerals like phosphorus and potassium.
How To Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Prepare the butter mixture. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, blend softened butter, minced garlic cloves, salt, paprika, black pepper, and dried basil in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Prep the cod fillets. Take out the cod fillets and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If they’re frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed beforehand.
- Season the cod. Season both sides of each fillet generously with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a shallow baking dish. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the fillets.
- Bake. Top each cod fillet with a slice of lemon and bake for approximately 14-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked cod, then serve and enjoy!
Tips And FAQs
- Can frozen cod be used? Absolutely! Frozen cod works well in this recipe. Just ensure the fillets are fully thawed before removing excess moisture and proceeding with preparation.
- How to make it healthier: To lighten up this recipe, you can reduce the amount of butter used or substitute it with a healthier oil such as olive or avocado oil.
- How long does cod bake in the oven? For 6 oz. fillets, as used in this recipe, baking typically takes about 14-15 minutes. Smaller fillets will require less time, while larger ones may need a bit longer.
- How to determine if cod is done? The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, visually, the cod should appear opaque and easily flake with a fork.
- Can this be made in advance? Unfortunately, the entire dish cannot be made ahead of time, but you can prepare the butter mixture in advance. Simply store it in a tightly-lidded container in the refrigerator until ready to bake the cod.
Nutrition
Serving: 1fillet | Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 675mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g