Baked Lemon Cod

Baked Lemon Cod: A Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Delight

Baked Lemon Cod is a dish that never fails to impress, with its lemony flavor and flaky texture. The Baked Lemon Cod recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare this popular seafood dish. One of the benefits of baking cod is that it helps retain its moisture and flavor, making it a great option for a healthy and tasty meal.

The Baked Lemon Cod recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy dinner solution. By baking the cod with lemon, you can create a dish that is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients. The cod provides a good source of protein, while the lemon adds a burst of citrus flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Lemon Cod recipe is a winner in many ways. It’s incredibly simple and quick to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, cod is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice.

The best part? This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The lemon butter adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the cod, making it a truly special dish. You can also serve it with roasted vegetable quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Lemon Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

When it comes to the ingredients, it’s all about using the freshest and highest-quality components. The lemon is the star of the show, so make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice and grated lemon zest. The garlic adds a pungent flavor, while the thyme and parsley add a touch of earthiness.

If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers. Just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly. The unsalted butter is also a key component, as it helps to create a rich and creamy lemon butter sauce. You can also try making lemon herb roasted chicken for another delicious meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over the cod fillets.
4. Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife, which should slide in easily.
7. Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve the baked cod hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.

Visual Guide & Tips

When baking the cod, make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The cod should flake easily with a fork and have a flaky texture. If you’re unsure, you can always check the internal temperature, which should be around 145°F (63°C). For a side dish, try making roasted tomato basil soup for a delicious and comforting meal.

To add some extra flavor, you can sprinkle some lemon zest and parsley on top of the cod before baking. This will create a beautiful and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

One of the most common mistakes when baking cod is overcooking it. To avoid this, make sure to check the cod frequently and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is correct.

Another tip is to make sure the cod is at room temperature before baking. This will help the cod cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough or dry. If you’re having trouble getting the lemon butter to melt, you can try microwaving it for a few seconds or stirring it over low heat.

Some other common issues when baking cod include:

• Cod not cooking evenly: This can be due to the cod being too thick or not being at room temperature. Try to use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is correct.
• Cod becoming too dry: This can be due to overcooking or not using enough lemon butter. Try to adjust the cooking time and add more lemon butter if needed.
• Lemon butter not melting: This can be due to the butter being too cold or not being stirred enough. Try to microwave the butter for a few seconds or stir it over low heat.

By following these tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can create a delicious and flavorful Baked Lemon Cod dish that’s sure to impress.

Storage & Freezing

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the cod for up to 2 months, but make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about the Baked Lemon Cod recipe:

• Q: Can I use frozen cod? A: Yes, you can use frozen cod, but make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with paper towels before baking.
• Q: Can I substitute the lemon with lime? A: Yes, you can substitute the lemon with lime, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
• Q: Can I add other herbs to the lemon butter? A: Yes, you can add other herbs like dill or basil to the lemon butter for extra flavor.
• Q: Can I bake the cod in a skillet? A: Yes, you can bake the cod in a skillet, but make sure to use a skillet that’s oven-safe and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Q: Can I serve the cod with sides? A: Yes, you can serve the cod with sides like roasted vegetables or quinoa for a well-rounded meal.
• Q: Is the cod recipe healthy? A: Yes, the cod recipe is a healthy option as it’s low in calories and rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Here is the nutritional information for the Baked Lemon Cod recipe:

• Calories: 500 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 39g
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Sodium: N/A
• Fiber: N/A

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Baked Lemon Cod recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare this popular seafood dish. With its lemony flavor and flaky texture, it’s sure to impress. By following the tips and troubleshooting common issues, you can create a flavorful and moist Baked Lemon Cod dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

So, did you make this Baked Lemon Cod recipe? Pin it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @EvasRecipes! I’d love to see your creations and hear your feedback.

Baked Lemon Cod

A simple and flavorful cod recipe with a lemon butter sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle lemon juice over the cod fillets.
4. Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife, which should slide in easily.
7. Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve the baked cod hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.