Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to enjoy fish: this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe! It’s not just delicious; it’s so simple and quick to whip up on a busy weeknight. The cod comes out flaky and tender, kissed by the bright zing of lemon and the richness of butter. Trust me, you’ll love how this dish fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that practically begs you to dig in. Plus, it’s low in fat and packed with protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re looking to impress at dinner or just want a wholesome meal for yourself, this recipe has got you covered. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- 4 cod fillets, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients are super straightforward and easy to find! I always recommend using fresh lemon juice for that vibrant flavor, and don’t skimp on the parsley—it adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. You can also adjust the garlic powder to your liking; I tend to add a little extra because I just can’t get enough of that garlicky goodness!
How to Prepare the Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your cod will cook evenly and get that lovely flaky texture we all love. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes a world of difference!
Prepare the Cod Fillets
Next, grab your beautiful cod fillets and place them in a baking dish. Make sure the dish is lightly greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. I like to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking. If you’ve got any excess moisture on the fish, just pat them dry with a paper towel. It helps the lemon butter mixture really soak in!
Make the Lemon Butter Mixture
Now, let’s make that dreamy lemon butter mixture! In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter gently. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in the fresh lemon juice and garlic powder. Make sure to blend it well; you want that buttery goodness infused with zesty lemon flavor! This mixture will bring your cod to life, so don’t rush this step.
Assemble and Season
Pour that luscious lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets, making sure each piece gets a good drizzle. Don’t be shy! Then, sprinkle on some salt and pepper to taste. I usually go light on the salt, since the butter adds a nice richness on its own, but feel free to adjust based on your personal preference. A little extra lemon zest wouldn’t hurt either if you’re feeling adventurous!
Baking Time
Pop the baking dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod easily flakes apart with a fork and looks beautifully opaque. Keep an eye on it, as cooking times can vary a bit based on the thickness of your fillets. Once it’s ready, take a moment to admire your masterpiece before garnishing with fresh parsley!
Tips for Success
To make sure your healthy lemon butter baked cod turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, always use fresh cod if you can—it really elevates the dish and enhances the flavor. If you’re using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture. Also, don’t skip the resting time after baking; letting the fish sit for a minute before serving allows those delicious juices to redistribute, making it even more tender. And remember, taste is key! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your palate—add a pinch more garlic powder or an extra squeeze of lemon if you’re feeling fancy. Finally, serve it with a side of steamed veggies or a light salad to complete your meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and low in fat, this cod recipe is a guilt-free delight that supports your wellness goals.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes!
- Bright and Flavorful: The combination of zesty lemon and rich butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the mild flavor of cod.
- Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides—steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh salad—to create a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it a great choice for dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to play with the seasoning or add your favorite herbs for a personal twist on this classic recipe.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe, so you can keep track of your healthy eating goals. Each serving, which is one cod fillet, contains approximately:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 23g
These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how nutritious this dish is! With its high protein and low carbohydrate content, it’s a fantastic option for a light yet satisfying meal. Enjoy knowing you’re treating your body well while savoring every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is fantastic for this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe, you can easily swap it for other flaky white fish like tilapia or haddock. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different fish may require slight adjustments.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
No worries! If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, bottled lemon juice works just fine in a pinch. Just make sure it’s pure lemon juice—skip the sweetened varieties for this savory dish!
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
You’ll know your cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. If you have a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for best results.
Can I make the lemon butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the lemon butter mixture and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just give it a quick reheat before pouring it over the cod to bring back that delicious flavor!
What sides pair well with this dish?
This healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even a light rice pilaf. You could also whip up a fresh salad for a bright, refreshing complement to your meal!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your healthy lemon butter baked cod, the options are as delightful as the dish itself! I love pairing it with a vibrant medley of steamed vegetables—think bright green broccoli, tender asparagus, or sweet snap peas. The freshness of the veggies perfectly complements the rich lemon butter sauce and adds a lovely crunch to each bite.
If you’re in the mood for something a little heartier, a fluffy bed of rice is a fantastic choice! I often opt for jasmine or basmati rice, as their fragrant aromas elevate the meal. You can even toss in some herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice to tie everything together.
Feeling adventurous? Try serving the cod on a bed of quinoa or farro for a nutty flavor and added texture. These grains are not only delicious but also pack a nutritional punch!
And let’s not forget about salads—an arugula or spinach salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich fish. Top it with some cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and maybe even a sprinkle of feta cheese for a burst of flavor!
Whatever you choose, these sides will enhance your meal experience and make every bite of your healthy lemon butter baked cod even more enjoyable. Happy serving!
For more information on the health benefits of cod, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in other delicious fish recipes, consider trying baked cod with garlic butter for a flavorful twist!
Imprimer
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for Guilt-Free Bliss
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe that is simple and delicious.
Ingrédients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Melt butter and mix with lemon juice and garlic powder.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cod.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
- 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: 180
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 1g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 23g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe
