Introduction
Transform ordinary cod fillets into a restaurant-worthy dish with this incredibly easy baked cod recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a healthy and flavorful meal without the fuss. We’ll elevate simple ingredients with a burst of bright lemon and fragrant garlic, creating a dish that’s both impressive and effortless.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its perfect balance of flavors. The delicate cod is beautifully complemented by the zesty lemon and pungent garlic, all tied together with the richness of butter. It’s incredibly easy to prepare—minimal chopping and no complicated techniques are required. The ingredients are readily available, making it a practical choice for any weeknight dinner. Finally, it delivers impressive results with minimal effort, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
Key Ingredients
🐟 1.5 lbs cod fillets, skin on or off
🍋 2 large lemons, one juiced, one thinly sliced
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧈 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.
3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
5️⃣ Arrange the lemon slices on top of the cod.
6️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
7️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to substitute other white fish like halibut or snapper for the cod. Fresh oregano can be used in place of dried, but use about twice the amount.
- Handling Techniques: Gently pat the cod fillets dry before baking to ensure they brown nicely.
- What to Avoid: Overbaking the cod will result in dry, tough fillets. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked cod. Too low, and the fish will be undercooked and mushy. Too high, and it will become dry and overcooked. Visual cues for doneness include the fish flaking easily with a fork and becoming opaque in color. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy – the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Crunch Factor
While this recipe doesn’t focus on a crunchy texture, the slight browning of the cod fillets from the melted butter contributes to a pleasant, slightly crisp exterior.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Flavor Booster: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic butter for a touch of heat.
- Prep Shortcut: Prep the lemon garlic butter mixture while the oven is preheating to save time.
- Cleanup Hack: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Storage Tips
Leftover baked cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t typically gifted, but if you’re preparing it for a potluck or special occasion, consider serving it directly in an oven-safe dish, garnished with fresh herbs.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the lemon garlic butter mixture.
🌟 Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
🌟 Herby Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme.
🌟 Creamy Cod: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Cod: If your cod is too dry, it’s likely overcooked. Reduce baking time next time and check for doneness earlier.
- Undercooked Cod: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and bake for the appropriate time. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Texture Problems: Overbaking is the most common cause of dry or tough cod.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cod? Yes, but thaw it completely before baking.
- Can I scale the recipe? Yes, simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally.
- Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? It’s naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or another dairy-free alternative.
- How long does it last? Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Cod with Garlic Lemon Butter recipe is a true weeknight winner. Its simplicity, speed, and delicious flavor make it a go-to for busy evenings. We encourage you to try it, experiment with the flavor variations, and share this delightful recipe with your friends and family. Enjoy!
Garlic Lemon Butter Cod: Ready in Minutes!
A quick and delicious garlic lemon butter cod recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200u00b0C (400u00b0F).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sautu00e9 for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the cod in the lemon garlic butter for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.