Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce!

Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

• 4 tbsp butter (unsalted)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)

• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for color)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Cod Fillets:

   • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

3. Make the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

   • Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley to the butter. Stir to combine and let it simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Bake the Cod:

   • Pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets, making sure each fillet is well-coated.

   • Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so check for doneness.

5. Serve:

   • Once baked, remove the cod from the oven. Serve the fillets with the remaining butter sauce poured over the top.

   • Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of extra flavor.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I use another type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or pollock. Just adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fillets.

Q2: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! There are no breadcrumbs or flour involved, so it is safe for anyone following a gluten-free diet.

Q3: Can I make the lemon-garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before pouring over the fish.

Q4: How can I add more flavor to the cod?

For additional flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese over the cod before baking. You can also add a few crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for some heat.

Q5: Can I cook the cod in a skillet instead of baking it?

Yes! You can pan-sear the cod fillets in a skillet. Heat the butter and garlic in the skillet, add the cod fillets, and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through. Spoon the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the fish while cooking.

Q6: What can I serve with baked cod?

Baked cod pairs wonderfully with sides like steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, you can serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can reheat the fish gently in the microwave or in a pan over low heat to avoid drying it out.

This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and rich butter makes for a flavorful experience with every bite! Enjoy!