Description
Succulent garlic butter baked cod fillets showcase a Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish that melts with buttery richness. Fragrant herbs and golden breadcrumbs create a crisp, delectable crust you’ll crave from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a baking vessel with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent adherence.
- Craft a luxurious garlic butter infusion by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped garlic, zesty citrus juice, aromatic lemon zest, verdant parsley, warming paprika, delicate salt, and freshly ground pepper in a compact mixing bowl.
- Meticulously cleanse the cod fillets, eliminating excess moisture with absorbent paper towels, then delicately season both surfaces with a refined sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Arrange the pristine cod fillets in a single, elegant layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring ample space between each piece for even heat distribution.
- Generously cascade the herbaceous garlic butter elixir over the fish, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly and evenly coated with the fragrant mixture.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cod to transform for 15-20 minutes until the flesh turns pearlescent and effortlessly separates with gentle pressure from a fork.
- Extract the perfectly cooked fish from the oven, adorning the golden fillets with vibrant lemon rounds and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Present the aromatic cod immediately, accompanied by complementary side dishes that will elevate this maritime culinary creation.
Notes
- Check fish freshness by ensuring it has a mild ocean scent and firm, translucent flesh without discoloration or strong fishy smell.
- Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to help crisp exterior and prevent soggy texture during baking.
- Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness; thinner pieces cook faster and can easily become dry if overcooked.
- Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil for vegan adaptation.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more robust, vibrant flavor and optimal aromatic profile.
- Select wild-caught cod for better sustainability and richer nutrient content compared to farm-raised varieties.
- Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat or sprinkle extra herbs like dill or thyme for complex flavor layers.
- Ensure even cooking by choosing cod fillets similar in size and thickness to promote uniform doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg