Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever tasted a dish that perfectly balances the brightness of lemon with the richness of butter? The Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe delivers just that, inviting you to indulge in a meal that is both satisfying and light. Imagine tender cod fillets infused with zesty lemon juice, complemented by velvety melted butter, and baked to perfection. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delightful culinary experience.

This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this healthy cod recipe fits any occasion. With the refreshing citrus notes mingling beautifully with the buttery flavor, it’s sure to impress guests and family alike. Get ready for an amazing flavor adventure that highlights simple ingredients in a stunning way.

Key Ingredients For Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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

• Fresh Cod Fillets: Choose firm, white cod fillets for the best texture and flavor; they should be bright and moist.
• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness while adding rich flavor to the dish.
• Fresh Lemons: Opt for juicy lemons, as their zest and juice will elevate the cod’s taste with refreshing acidity.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma; minced garlic works best for even distribution in the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor with its fresh herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: These essentials season the fish and highlight its natural flavors; adjust according to your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Second Step : Prepare The Cod

Place your fresh cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season them generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

Third Step : Make The Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute. Add lemon juice and zest from one lemon into the mixture; mix thoroughly.

Fourth Step : Combine And Bake

Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Fifth Step : Garnish And Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for freshness. Transfer to plates and drizzle any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fish and produce significantly enhance flavor; always opt for quality ingredients.
• Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking time; overcooking can lead to dry fish, so check at around 15 minutes.
• Serve With Sides: Pair this cod with steamed vegetables or quinoa for a complete meal that maintains its healthy profile.

Enjoy creating this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe that brings joy to your table!

Cooking Instructions

For the Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or non-stick spray. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season them with salt and pepper on both sides.

Next, melt about four tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the juice of one large lemon and stir well. Pour this lemon-butter mixture evenly over the seasoned cod fillets in the baking dish.

Bake the cod in the preheated oven for approximately 12 to 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. For an extra burst of flavor, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end if desired.

Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is perfect for a light dinner or a special occasion. Here are some excellent serving suggestions:

• Quinoa Salad: Pair your baked cod with a refreshing quinoa salad featuring cucumbers, bell peppers, and a light vinaigrette for added texture and nutrition.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or asparagus drizzled with olive oil to enhance your meal’s nutrient profile.
• Basmati Rice: A fluffy bed of basmati rice complements the cod beautifully while soaking up any leftover lemon butter sauce.

Nutritional Information

This Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. A serving typically contains around 200 calories, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals. The dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids due to the cod fish, which supports heart health.

Additionally, including lemon adds vitamin C, helping boost your immune system. With minimal ingredients and healthy fats from butter in moderation, this recipe maintains balance while satisfying your taste buds.

FAQs

What type of cod is best for this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe?

When choosing fish for this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, opt for fresh or frozen Atlantic or Pacific cod fillets. Fresh fish generally has better flavor and texture but frozen can be just as good when properly thawed. Always check for quality; look for firm flesh that appears moist and translucent without any off-putting odors.

Can I use other types of fish in place of cod?

Yes! While cod is ideal for this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe due to its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute it with other white fish like haddock or tilapia. These alternatives will yield similar results but keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.

How do I store leftovers from this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe?

If you have leftovers from this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they should last for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! To adapt this Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe to be dairy-free, simply replace unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. This substitution will maintain richness while keeping the dish suitable for those avoiding dairy products.