Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare cod. The lemon and garlic add a brightness that perfectly complements the mild taste of the fish.
Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (around 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, dried parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon).
- Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Top each fillet with lemon slices.
- Spread the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the cod fillets in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 15 minutes before baking.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- To add a crispy topping, sprinkle the cod with breadcrumbs or panko before baking.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod, as it can become dry and tough.
- Serve the baked cod with roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.