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Delicious Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe You’ll Love

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The aroma of garlic wafts through the air, mingling with the buttery richness that promises a sensational culinary experience. Picture this: a tender, flaky cod fillet perfectly baked to golden perfection, drizzled with luscious garlic butter that dances on your taste buds like a joyful waltz. This Garlic Butter Baked Cod is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that can transform any ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Maybe you remember a time when you tried to impress someone special with your cooking skills, only to end up with burnt toast and a smoke alarm blaring louder than your favorite song. Fear not! This recipe brings together simplicity and sophistication. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights or even when friends drop by unexpectedly. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing, as we dive into this easy yet elegant dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Garlic Butter Baked Cod offers an effortless preparation method that’s perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
  • Its flavor profile combines savory and buttery notes that complement the delicate cod perfectly.
  • Visually appealing, this dish boasts a beautiful golden crust that’s sure to impress guests at any dinner gathering.
  • Versatile enough to pair with various sides, it fits right in whether it’s a casual family meal or an elegant dinner party.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Cod Fillets: Look for fresh or thawed fillets, ideally weighing around 6 ounces each for even baking.
  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning while providing rich flavor.
  • Fresh Garlic: A must-have ingredient; use minced fresh garlic cloves for that strong punch of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is essential for garnish and adds a pop of color and freshness.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this dish.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, grab your favorite baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt about half a cup of unsalted butter. As it starts bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté until fragrant—about one minute should do!

Step 3: Season the Cod

Place your cod fillets in the prepared baking dish side by side. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Drizzle with Garlic Butter

Once your garlic butter is ready, pour it evenly over the cod fillets—making sure every inch gets coated in that glorious mixture. You can even throw in some extra minced garlic if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step 5: Bake Until Perfect

Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it; no one likes overcooked fish!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your beautifully baked cod. Transfer to plates and drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

And voila! You have created an unforgettable meal that not only tastes divine but also looks like you’ve just stepped out of a gourmet restaurant kitchen. Serve alongside some roasted vegetables or fluffy rice, and watch as your friends rave about your culinary prowess!

You Must Know

  • This garlic butter baked cod recipe is not just about the incredible flavor; it simplifies weeknight dinners.
  • With its buttery richness and zesty hints, it dazzles on any plate.
  • Perfect for busy families or dinner parties, this dish is effortlessly impressive and satisfying.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the cod. Melt the garlic butter, season the fish, and place it in a baking dish. Once the oven is hot, bake until flaky perfection calls your name. Timing is key to keep that buttery goodness intact.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cod for another flaky fish like haddock or tilapia. Add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky kick or toss in fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten up your garlic butter baked cod dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place it back in a warm oven for 10 minutes, ensuring you don’t lose that delightful buttery moisture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh garlic for an aromatic punch that elevates your dish beyond expectations.
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; give each piece enough space to cook evenly.
  • Let the fish rest post-baking for enhanced flavor absorption and texture.

Sometimes I whip up this garlic butter baked cod when friends come over, and they always ask for seconds! It’s become our go-to dish for gatherings – quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Garlic Butter Baked Cod?

To prepare Garlic Butter Baked Cod, gather fresh cod fillets, butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings like salt and pepper. You might also want to add chopped parsley for garnish. Using high-quality ingredients enhances the flavor of this dish. tahini pasta with salmon Ensure your cod is fresh or properly thawed if frozen. With these simple components, you can create a delicious meal that highlights the tender texture of the cod and the rich taste of garlic butter.

How long does it take to bake Garlic Butter Baked Cod?

Garlic Butter Baked Cod typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets. It’s essential to check for doneness; the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooking can lead to dry fish, so keep an eye on it as it bakes. A quick check ensures you enjoy perfectly cooked garlic butter cod every time.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod for Garlic Butter Baked Cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking and better flavor absorption. Thawing can be done overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water. Once thawed, pat the cod dry with paper towels before seasoning it with garlic butter. This will help achieve a nice golden crust while keeping the fish tender on the inside.

What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Cod?

Garlic Butter Baked Cod pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a healthy option. Rice pilaf or quinoa adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the richness of the fish. chipotle chicken salad For something more indulgent, try mashed potatoes or a light salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. These sides balance out the meal while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Cod:

In conclusion, Garlic Butter Baked Cod is an easy yet flavorful dish that anyone can prepare at home. With just a few simple ingredients like fresh cod fillets and rich garlic butter, you can create a delightful meal in under 30 minutes. Mediterranean baked fish recipe Remember to monitor cooking times closely to ensure your fish remains tender and moist. Whether served with veggies or rice, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike, making it a must-try in your culinary repertoire.

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Garlic Butter Baked Cod

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Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a delightful dish that transforms tender cod fillets into a gourmet experience in just 30 minutes. Infused with aromatic garlic and rich butter, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. The golden crust and flaky texture offer a mouthwatering balance of flavors, making it an easy yet elegant meal that everyone will love.

  • Author: Anna Lopez
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce) cod fillets
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Season the cod fillets with lemon juice, salt, and pepper in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Drizzle the garlic butter over the cod fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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