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Here is a list of essential ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod: - Cod fillets - Unsalted butter - Minced garlic - Lemon (zest and juice) - Seasonings: salt, pepper, dried parsley - Garnish and serving suggestions: fresh parsley, lemon wedges These ingredients work together to create a bright and tasty dish. The cod fillets are the star of the show. They have a mild flavor and cook quickly. Unsalted butter adds richness. Minced garlic gives a nice kick. Lemons are key here. The zest adds aroma, and the juice brightens up the dish. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Dried parsley adds color and a hint of earthiness. For garnishing, fresh parsley adds a pop of green. Lemon wedges are perfect for serving. They let you squeeze extra lemon juice over the fish. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. For the full recipe, check the details above. 1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the cod evenly. 2. Prepare the baking dish: Take a baking dish and lightly grease it. You can use cooking spray or a little olive oil for this. 3. Melt butter and sauté garlic: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic. 1. Combine lemon, seasonings, and butter: After sautéing, stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley into the butter. Mix well and then remove it from the heat. 2. Coat the cod fillets: Place your 4 cod fillets in the greased baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture over the cod. Make sure each piece is well coated for the best flavor. 3. Baking instructions and time: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - To ensure juicy and flaky cod, use fresh fillets. Look for bright, moist flesh. - Let the cod rest for a minute after baking. This keeps the fish tender. - To prevent garlic from burning, add it to melted butter over medium heat. Stir it often. - Pair cod with sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed veggies. These complement its flavor. - For a restaurant-style look, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Place the cod on a colorful plate. - Don't waste any sauce! Drizzle leftover garlic butter over your vegetables or rice. It adds great flavor. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod. Here are some ideas: - Adding herbs like thyme or dill: Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Just sprinkle some on top before baking. Thyme has a mild taste, while dill adds a fresh note. Both work well with cod. - Using other fish varieties: Cod is great, but you can use other fish too. Try halibut or tilapia for different textures. They absorb flavors well and cook similarly. - Making it spicy with chili flakes: If you like heat, add chili flakes to the butter mix. A little spice can make the dish exciting. Adjust the amount to your taste. You can also try different cooking methods to switch things up. - Pan-searing instead of baking: For a quicker option, try pan-searing. Heat some oil in a skillet. Once hot, add the cod fillets. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice crust. - Grilling instructions for cod fillets: Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the fillets for about 4-5 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. These variations let you have fun while cooking. You can create different meals that still taste great. Check out the Full Recipe to make your own Lemon Garlic Butter Cod! To store your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the fish fresh for up to three days. If you have leftover garlic butter, store it separately. When reheating, use a microwave or oven. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture. Heat it gently to avoid drying out the cod. In the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the fish flaky and juicy. You can freeze cooked cod. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It lasts up to three months. For raw cod, it's best to freeze it right away. Just make sure to wrap it well. To thaw, place the cod in the fridge overnight. You can also use a cold water bath if you're short on time. Just seal the fish in a bag and submerge it in cold water. This method takes about an hour. Avoid thawing in the microwave, as it can cook the fish unevenly. What is the cooking time for cod? The cooking time for cod is about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The fish cooks quickly. It is best to check it often to avoid overcooking. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Can I use frozen cod fillets? Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight or under cold water. This way, they will cook properly. How to tell when cod is fully cooked? Cod is fully cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily. You can also use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Substitutes for butter in this recipe If you want to replace butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. Both will give a nice flavor. Just use the same amount as the butter in the recipe. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish? Yes, adding vegetables is a great idea! You can use asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them around the cod before baking. Gluten-free options for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod This recipe is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients, such as cod, garlic, and lemon, are safe for a gluten-free diet. Just make sure any additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free. This recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is simple and tasty. You learned the essentials, from ingredients to different cooking methods. You can make it juicy and flaky by following the tips shared. Adding herbs or trying different fish can spice things up. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers later. Now, you have all the tools you need to impress with this dish. Cook it, share it, and enjoy it!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Discover the delicious flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with this easy recipe! This mouthwatering dish features tender cod fillets drenched in a zesty butter and garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. In just 25 minutes, create a meal that's not only satisfying but also visually stunning. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this flavorful seafood delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Fresh parsley for garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).

      Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dried parsley into the butter mixture. Remove from heat.

        Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and pour the lemon garlic butter mixture over the fillets, ensuring they're well coated.

          Bake the cod in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.

            Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the top for an appealing look!