Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Description

Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Ingredients:

4 cod fillets
3 tbsp clarified butter (melted)
2 tbsp garlic butter
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon slices for serving

Preparation:

Preheat Oven: Heat to 375°F (190°C).
Mix Butter Sauce: Blend clarified and garlic butter with lemon juice.
Bake: Place cod in a dish, season with paprika and salt, drizzle butter sauce. Bake for 18 minutes.
Garnish: Add parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Tip: Enjoy with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
#ButteryCodBliss

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Lemon Butter Baked Cod every time.

1. Prep the Cod: Pat the 4 cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This ensures the skin gets crispy and the butter sauce adheres properly.
2. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). As it heats, take a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet and lightly grease it with a bit of the clarified butter or a neutral oil.
3. Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the 3 tablespoons of melted clarified butter, 2 tablespoons of garlic butter, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until fully emulsified.
4. Season and Sauce: Arrange the dried cod fillets in the prepared dish. Evenly sprinkle them with the 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Pour the butter-lemon sauce generously over each fillet, ensuring they are well-coated.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking.
6. Rest and Garnish: Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted asparagus, green beans almondine, or a crisp arugula salad. A slice of crusty bread is essential for mopping up every last bit of the lemon butter sauce from your plate.

How-to Summary

Dry cod fillets, preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk clarified butter, garlic butter, and lemon juice for sauce. Place cod in dish, season with paprika and salt, drizzle with sauce. Bake for 15-18 minutes until flaky. Garnish with parsley and lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod fillets? Yes, but they must be fully thawed and patted extremely dry first. Baking frozen fillets will release too much water, steaming the fish and diluting the sauce.

What can I substitute for clarified butter? You can use an equal amount of ghee or regular unsalted butter. If using regular butter, watch closely as it may brown more quickly in the oven due to the milk solids.

My sauce seems thin. How can I thicken it? After baking, transfer the cod to a plate. Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened. Pour it back over the fish.

Can I add other seasonings? Absolutely. Dried dill, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes are excellent additions. For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of capers to the sauce before baking.

How do I know the cod is cooked perfectly? The fish should be opaque and flake apart easily with gentle pressure from a fork. The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Drying the Fish: Skipping the step of patting the cod dry results in a watery sauce and prevents proper browning.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Place fillets in a single layer with space between them to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
• Overcooking: Cod cooks quickly and becomes dry and rubbery if left in the oven too long. Stick to the 15-18 minute guideline and check early.
• Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is crucial for bright, clean flavor. Bottled juice can impart a metallic or stale taste.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a deceptively simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The key lies in the quality of ingredients—fresh cod, real butter, and vibrant lemon—and careful attention to not overcooking. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a healthy, elegant, and utterly delicious centerpiece for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The rich, tangy sauce and tender, flaky fish are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.