Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

$To make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, you need: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving When choosing cod, look for fillets that are firm and moist. Fresh cod has a clean smell and bright white flesh. If you can, buy from local fish markets. This way, you support local business and get fresher fish. Look for cod that has a shiny skin. Frozen cod can also work, but make sure it is properly stored. To keep your cod fresh, store it in the coldest part of your fridge. Use it within two days for the best taste. If you can’t find cod, you can use other mild white fish, like haddock or pollock. These fish have a similar texture and flavor. For a fun twist, you might even try salmon for a richer taste. Always remember to adjust cooking time based on the fish you choose. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great. Do not let it burn; burnt garlic can ruin the dish. After that, stir in the lemon juice and zest. Remove the saucepan from heat. Now, take a baking dish and place the cod fillets inside. Season each fillet with salt and pepper. Make sure to cover all sides for the best taste. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces. Dot each fillet with these butter pieces. This will add extra flavor as it melts. Now, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod is done when it looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork. After baking, take the dish out of the oven. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the cod for a lovely touch. For a bright presentation, serve the cod on a warm plate. Drizzle some of the melted lemon garlic butter from the dish over the fillets. Add a few lemon wedges on the side. These wedges add a fresh kick when squeezed over the fish. Enjoy your tasty Lemon Garlic Butter Cod! To make this dish quick, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the cod just right. You only need 12 to 15 minutes for cooking. Check it at 12 minutes to see if it flakes easily. To avoid overcooking, use fresh cod fillets. Look for a bright color and firm texture. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily. If you cook it too long, it becomes dry. Keep an eye on the time. You can add more herbs for a flavor boost. Fresh dill or thyme work well with lemon. Just chop them finely and sprinkle on top before cooking. This adds a nice touch and extra taste. Try mixing in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cod: Always select fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm to the touch and have a mild, ocean-like scent. Control the Heat: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat at medium to prevent burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish. Butter Timing: Adding cold butter pieces on top of the cod before baking helps create a rich, buttery sauce as it melts during cooking. Flake Test: To ensure the cod is perfectly cooked, use a fork to gently flake the fish at the thickest part. It should be opaque and flake easily when done. {{image_2}} You can swap cod for other fish. Try salmon or tilapia for a new twist. Salmon offers a richer taste, while tilapia has a mild flavor. Both work well with lemon garlic butter. Just adjust cooking times based on the fish you choose. Salmon may take a bit longer, about 15-18 minutes. Tilapia cooks faster, around 10-12 minutes. Adding vegetables can make this dish even better. You can roast asparagus, broccoli, or green beans alongside the cod. Simply toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the oven for about the same time as the cod. You can also serve the cod over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. To change the flavor, add spices or herbs. For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can make it creamy by adding a splash of heavy cream to the butter sauce. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also add a new layer of flavor. Experiment to find what you like best! After you enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, store any leftovers right away. Place the cod in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. It will stay good in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your cod, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but the oven keeps it moist and tasty. If you want to freeze your cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, the cod can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell cod is fully cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you press the fish slightly, it should feel firm. The flesh should no longer look translucent. When you achieve this, your cod is ready to enjoy. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or run it under cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps the fish absorb the lemon garlic butter better. Lemon Garlic Butter Cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans - Roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes - Rice, especially lemon or herb-flavored - A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette These sides will complement the flavors and make your meal balanced and filling. To make this recipe dairy-free, replace butter with a dairy-free alternative. You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or vegan butter. These options will give you a similar taste and texture. Just follow the same steps in the recipe, and you’ll have a delicious dairy-free dish! In this blog post, we explored the joy of cooking cod. We went from selecting quality ingredients to step-by-step cooking methods. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common pitfalls. We also discussed tasty variations and smart ways to store leftovers. Cooking should be fun and easy. With these tips, you can create delicious meals that impress. Remember to enjoy the process and make it your own!$

A delicious and easy-to-make cod dish with a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic
1 lemon zested and juiced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
to taste salt
to taste pepper
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
Dot each fillet with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter cut into small pieces.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

Serve the cod fillets on a warm plate, drizzled with the melted lemon garlic butter from the baking dish and a few lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.

Keyword butter, cod, garlic, lemon, seafood