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Try this tasty and simple baked cod dish that's packed with lemony and herb flavors. It's both light and fancy, perfect when you need a quick dinner that still wows everyone.
What makes this dish special?
Lemon and garlic cod makes a healthy and tasty weeknight meal option. The fragrant herb butter and zesty lemon bring together ease and elegance while letting the mild fish flavor shine through.
What you'll need for this dish
- Butter: 2 tbsp, softened to make a smooth, flavorful mix.
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp, to blend with butter and add a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp, for a balanced tangy kick.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for bold flavor.
- Parsley: 1 tbsp, finely chopped for freshness.
- Thyme: 1 tsp, to add herbal notes.
- Paprika: 1/8 tsp, for a gentle warmth.
- Dill: 1/8 tsp, for a subtle aroma.
- Salt: 1/8 tsp, adjust to your taste.
- Cod fillets: 2 (225 g each), as the main component.
- Lemon: 1, sliced to garnish and flavor the fish.
How to make your cod
- Get the oven hot
- Turn your oven to 200°C (400°F) for even, successful cooking.
- Mix up herb butter
- Combine softened butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, dill and salt in a bowl. Stir until everything's well blended.
- Ready your baking dish
- Spread 1-2 tsp of herb butter on the bottom of a baking dish so the fish won't stick.
- Position your fish
- Put cod fillets in the dish and spread 1 tbsp of herb butter on each piece. Arrange lemon slices around the fillets.
- Bake until done
- Pop it in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and feels tender.
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Tips for amazing cod
Go for fresh fish and juicy lemons to get the best flavors. This dish goes great with pilaf rice, steamed veggies, or a light green salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can you tell if cod is cooked?
- Cod is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should look pearly white and separate into layers.
- → Can you prepare the herb butter ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make herb butter up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it soften before using.
- → What kind of cod should you buy?
- Go for fresh cod fillets that are firm and have no smell. The flesh should be bright white and shiny. Avoid pieces that look dry or yellowed.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- Steamed veggies, plain white rice, or boiled potatoes are great options. A crisp green salad is also an excellent match.
- → Can you use different kinds of fish?
- Absolutely! This works wonderfully with other white fish like haddock, pollock, or hake. Just adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner fillets.