Description
Garlic butter baked cod fillets offer a delightful seafood experience from Mediterranean kitchens. Quick preparation meets elegant flavors, creating a simple yet impressive dinner perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals without complex techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat: Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Garlic Butter Blend: Whisk melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
- Prepare Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
- Arrange and Dress: Position the seasoned fillets in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, then lavishly drench them with the garlic butter mixture, guaranteeing complete coverage.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the fish turns opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork’s gentle nudge.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, embellish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley, then plate immediately alongside your chosen accompaniments for a delectable maritime feast.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp, golden edges and prevent steaming instead of baking.
- Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check cod reaches internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, flaky fish without overcooking.
- Butter Infusion Technique: Let garlic butter mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before pouring over fish to enhance flavor depth and allow herbs to release maximum aromatics.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free version or use ghee for lactose-sensitive individuals while maintaining rich, luxurious flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg