Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish to whip up when I want something light yet bursting with flavor: healthy lemon butter baked cod! This recipe is a game-changer, thanks to its zesty lemon and rich butter combination that perfectly complements the flaky cod. I love how quickly it comes together—just about 25 minutes from start to finish! It’s become a staple for family dinners or those busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets, skinless
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the freshest flavor, I always recommend using fresh lemon juice. It really elevates the dish! And don’t skimp on the garlic; it brings a wonderful depth to the lemon butter sauce. Make sure your cod fillets are skinless for that perfect flaky texture, too. This list is simple, right? Just gather these ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to a delicious meal!
How to Prepare the Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven ensures your cod bakes evenly and stays nice and flaky. While that’s warming up, you can gather the other ingredients and get everything prepped—multitasking at its finest!
Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
Now, grab a small saucepan and melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. It’s important to keep the heat low so you don’t burn the butter. Once it’s melted, add in the juice of that lovely lemon, the minced garlic, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until well combined—this lemon butter mixture is going to be the star of the show! Let it simmer for just a minute to infuse those flavors; your kitchen will smell amazing!
Arrange the Cod Fillets
Next, take your skinless cod fillets and place them in a baking dish. Make sure to space them out a bit—this helps them cook evenly. You want them to have a little breathing room so they can bake beautifully. Pour that delicious lemon butter mixture over the fillets, making sure each piece gets its fair share of that zesty goodness. It’s okay if some of it pools in the dish; it’ll create a lovely sauce as it cooks!
Bake the Cod
Now, it’s time to bake! Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it, though! Overcooking can dry it out, and we don’t want that. Once you see those beautiful flakes, you’re ready for the next step.
Serve the Dish
Finally, let’s plate it up! I love to garnish my cod with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and extra flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fluffy bed of rice. Trust me, it’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and oh-so-delicious. Enjoy your healthy lemon butter baked cod, and get ready for some compliments at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light yet flavorful, making it perfect for any meal.
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Rich in protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides like veggies or rice.
- Kids and adults alike will love the zesty lemon butter flavor.
This healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, bringing everyone together for a deliciously satisfying dinner. Trust me, you won’t regret giving it a try!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. Each serving of this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe contains approximately 220 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 2g of carbohydrates. It’s a wholesome choice for a light meal!
Tips for Success
To really nail this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe, here are a few tips that have worked wonders for me! First, always start with fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture—frozen is okay, but fresh makes a noticeable difference. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting the cod sit for a minute helps those juices redistribute, making it even more tender. If you want to elevate the flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick! Lastly, remember to taste your lemon butter mixture before pouring it over the fish—adjust the seasonings to your liking for a perfect finish!
FAQ About the Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Got questions about this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! While cod is fantastic for this recipe, you can also use haddock or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
No worries! You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh really enhances the flavor. If you can, grab a fresh lemon for the best taste!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the lemon butter mixture in advance. Just store it in the fridge and pour it over the cod before baking!
How do I know when the cod is done?
The cod is cooked perfectly when it flakes easily with a fork. Just keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking!
Hope that clears things up and gets you excited to try this dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your healthy lemon butter baked cod, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful not to overcook it, or it can get a bit tough. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Imprimer
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe: 5-Star Flavor Awaits
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
A healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe that is light and flavorful.
Ingrédients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to the melted butter.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh parsley.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor.
- Pair with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 2g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe
