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Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe - Cheap Delicious Meals

Let’s face it: when it comes to dinner, we all want something simple yet memorable. Enter garlic butter baked cod. This dish takes very little time to prepare and can transform your dinner into a culinary experience. With just a few ingredients, you can create a plate that sings with flavor. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it's baking? Nothing short of heavenly.
I remember the first time I tried garlic butter on fish. It was a weeknight, and I was tired, staring into the fridge searching for inspiration. I spotted a few cod fillets and remembered the half-used stick of butter sitting on the counter. An experiment began. Fast forward thirty minutes, and I was delighted by the crispy, juicy fish that emerged from my oven. Ever since then, garlic butter baked cod has been a go-to dish in my kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 342
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
  • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as parsley
  • 1 tablespoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 cod fillets 6 ounces each

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial. Starting with a properly heated oven ensures that the cod cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, sweet paprika, and the fresh herbs. Mix everything until it forms a smooth paste. This mixture is where the magic begins.
Step 3: Season the Cod
  1. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the butter mixture adhere better. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Cod
  1. Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of each fillet. Add the lemon slices on top.
Step 5: Bake the Cod
  1. Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Once baked, remove the cod from the oven. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle beautifully.

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality butter make all the difference. Don’t skimp on flavor by using subpar ingredients.
Don’t Overcook: Fish can become dry if overcooked. Keep a close watch towards the end of your cooking time.
Experiment with Aromatics: You can add shallots or even a splash of white wine to the butter mixture for added depth.
Add Heat (If You Like): A pinch of red pepper flakes can liven up the dish for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Make it in a Foil Packet: For easy cleanup, try baking the fish in a foil packet with the butter mixture. Just fold the foil over to create a seal.