Lemon Butter Garlic Cod

$To make Lemon Butter Garlic Cod, you will need: - 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a bright and rich flavor. Cod is a mild fish, so it pairs well with the zesty lemon and garlic. The butter adds a creamy texture that makes each bite satisfying. For a touch of color and flavor, consider these garnishes: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) Chopped parsley adds a fresh look and taste. Lemon wedges let you add more brightness if desired. To make this meal complete, try pairing your cod with: - Steamed asparagus - Fresh garden salad - Creamy mashed potatoes - Quinoa Steamed asparagus gives a nice crunch. A fresh garden salad brings a mix of textures. Creamy mashed potatoes or quinoa add heartiness to your plate. Each side enhances the meal and balances the flavors beautifully. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the cod cook evenly. Next, take a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier later. You want to ensure that the fish does not stick to the dish. Now, let’s make the sauce. Grab a small saucepan and place it on medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt gently. Once the butter is melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell good but not burn. After that, stir in the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Also, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper for taste. Mix it all together and remove it from the heat. Set this tasty sauce aside for later. Now, it's time to prepare the cod. Place 4 cod fillets in your lined baking dish. Drizzle half of your lemon butter-garlic sauce over the fillets. Make sure to cover them well. Then, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes. You want it to be flaky and cooked through. The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). When the cod is ready, take it out of the oven. Drizzle the rest of the sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve it with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal! To get flaky cod, you need to bake it just right. Start with fresh or thawed fillets. If you use frozen cod, thaw it fully first. Bake it at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should be 145°F (63°C). The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. You can tweak the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it zesty, add more lemon juice or zest. For a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes. If you want a creamier sauce, mix in a splash of heavy cream. Taste the sauce before you pour it on the cod. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Baking is simple and effective for cod. It keeps the fish moist and flavorful. You can also pan-sear cod for a crispy exterior. Heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on each side. For a smoky flavor, grilling works well too. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod will yield the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are bright in color and smell like the ocean. Tip Title: Monitor Cooking Time: Cod cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. It should flake easily with a fork when done. Tip Title: Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add additional herbs or spices to the lemon butter sauce, such as thyme or paprika, for an extra layer of flavor. Tip Title: Pair with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, balancing the richness of the butter sauce. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors with herbs and spices. Try fresh dill or thyme instead of oregano. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Rosemary pairs well with lemon and garlic too. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Baking is just one way to cook cod. You can also pan-sear it for a crispy crust. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. Another method is grilling. Brush the fillets with the lemon butter sauce and grill for 3-4 minutes per side. If you can't find cod, don't worry! Other white fish work great too. Try haddock, halibut, or tilapia. They all have a mild flavor that matches well with lemon and garlic. If you prefer a different protein, chicken breasts can also be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. To store leftover Lemon Butter Garlic Cod, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the cod cools to room temperature first. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you keep the flavors fresh and tasty. If you have extra lemon butter-garlic sauce, store that separately, too. To reheat the cod, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just cover the cod and heat for about 1-2 minutes. If you want to freeze the cod, do so right after cooking. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque and white. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C). If you see this, your cod is ready to eat. Yes, you can use frozen cod for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight or in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual. This makes it easy to enjoy cod anytime. Lemon Butter Garlic Cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus - Fresh garden salad - Creamy mashed potatoes - Quinoa These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy mixing and matching! This blog post covered everything you need for lemon butter garlic cod. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, tips for perfecting the dish, and tasty variations. You learned how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Overall, lemon butter garlic cod is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Try it with your favorite sides for a delightful dinner. Enjoy the process and impress your family and friends with this dish!$

Lemon Butter Garlic Cod

A delicious and easy cod recipe with a zesty lemon butter garlic sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zest of
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper into the melted butter mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the lemon butter-garlic sauce over the fillets, reserving the other half for later.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is flaky and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the cod from the oven and drizzle the remaining lemon butter-garlic sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve with steamed asparagus or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Keyword butter, cod, garlic, lemon