Description
Zesty Orange-Glazed Cod
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
Zest of 1 orange
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Orange slices (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Prepare Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Sear Cod: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Add Garlic and Butter: Add minced garlic and butter to the skillet, stirring until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted.
Pour Glaze: Pour the orange glaze over the cod in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and orange slices, and spoon the sauce from the skillet over the fillets for extra flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving
#OrangeGlazedCod #HealthyDinners #CitrusFlavors
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Preheat: Pat the cod fillets completely dry. This is crucial for a good sear. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season: Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, and a pinch of salt until combined.
4. Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.
5. Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Push the cod to the side and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Glaze & Bake: Pour the orange glaze over and around the cod. Immediately transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Finish Cooking: Bake for 8-10 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the sauce has slightly thickened.
8. Rest & Serve: Let the cod rest in the skillet for 2 minutes. Spoon the warm glaze over the fillets, garnish, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This bright, flavorful cod pairs beautifully with sides that balance its citrus notes. Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious glaze. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or roasted asparagus. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the orange glaze from your plate.
How-to Summary
This quick, restaurant-quality dish is made by searing seasoned cod fillets, then creating a simple pan sauce with garlic and butter. A fresh orange juice, zest, and honey glaze is poured over the fish before the entire skillet is finished in the oven. The result is tender, flaky cod with a vibrant, sweet-and-tangy sauce, ready in about 25 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod? Yes, but fully thaw it in the refrigerator first and pat it extremely dry to avoid excess water diluting the glaze and preventing a good sear.
What can I substitute for honey? Pure maple syrup is an excellent alternative. For a sugar-free option, a little monk fruit sweetener works, but the sauce may be less glossy.
I don’t have an oven-safe skillet. What can I do? After searing, transfer the cod to a lightly greased baking dish. Add the garlic, butter, and glaze to the hot skillet to deglaze, then pour it all over the fish in the dish before baking.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked? The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with gentle pressure from a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Absolutely. Whisk the orange juice, zest, and honey together and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The fresh flavor will be best if used the same day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Cod: Skipping the pat-dry step leads to steaming instead of searing, resulting in a pale, less flavorful crust.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: Sear in batches if necessary. Crowding lowers the pan’s temperature and causes the fish to steam.
- Overcooking: Cod cooks quickly. Baking for more than 10-12 minutes can make it dry and tough. Check early.
- Using Bottled Orange Juice: Fresh juice is essential for the bright, zesty flavor. Bottled juice often tastes flat and overly sweet.
- Adding Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is at room temperature so it melts smoothly into the sauce without seizing.
Conclusion
This Zesty Orange-Glazed Cod recipe proves that an impressive, healthy dinner doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. By mastering a few simple techniques—properly searing the fish and building a quick pan sauce—you can create a meal bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors in under 30 minutes. It’s a versatile dish perfect for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of sweet citrus and tender, flaky fish.