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Lemon Butter Baked Cod: A Simple Citrus Delight
Let's create a dish that's both elegant and effortless: Lemon Butter Baked Cod. This recipe combines the delicate flavor of cod with a rich, zesty lemon butter sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. I'm excited to share this simple yet flavorful recipe with you.
Ingredient Essentials
- Cod Fillets:
- Cod fillets are the star of this dish.
- Butter:
- Butter creates a rich and creamy sauce.
- Lemon Juice and Zest:
- Fresh lemon juice and zest add a bright and citrusy flavor.
- Garlic:
- Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard (Optional):
- Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor.
- Olive Oil:
- Olive oil is used to grease the baking dish.
- Parsley:
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Spices:
- Salt and pepper season the cod and sauce.
- Capers (Optional):
- Capers add a salty and tangy flavor.
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Crafting Your Cod
- Oven Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Cod Preparation:
- Pat the cod fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Place them in the baking dish.
- Sauce Preparation:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer briefly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauce Pouring:
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets. Sprinkle with capers (if using).
- Baking:
- Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnishing and Serving:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
You Must Know
- This cod dish is a perfect balance of delicate fish and bright, creamy sauce.
- It's easy to customize with different herbs and spices.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
I love the flaky texture of the cod and the bright, zesty flavor of the lemon butter sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, creating a truly delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Roasted vegetables, Rice pilaf, Roasted potatoes, or a Mixed green salad.
Flavorful Variations
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Use tilapia, haddock, or pollock instead of cod. Experiment with different herbs like dill, tarragon, or basil.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
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Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don't overcook the cod.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
- Customize the sauce to your taste.
- Don't skip the baking time.
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a simple and elegant dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful cod as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of fish?
- Yes, you can substitute cod with tilapia, haddock, or snapper.
- → How do I know when the cod is cooked?
- The fish is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- → Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
- Yes, but fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor.
- → What are some good side dishes for this cod?
- Roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad pair well with this dish.
- → Can I add other flavors to the lemon butter sauce?
- Yes, you can add fresh dill or basil for different herb variations.