Lemon-Herb Baked Cod
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Healthy Lemon-Herb Baked Cod Recipe Everyone Will Love

Lemon-Herb Baked Cod is a quick and tasty meal option. It’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it ideal for a weeknight dinner. The recipe uses simple ingredients like cod fillets, lemon juice, and herbs.

These ingredients help create a healthy and flavorful dish. It’s sure to impress your family and friends. Try this Lemon-Herb Cod recipe for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can prepare a delicious Lemon-Herb Baked Cod in under 30 minutes.
  • This Baked Cod Recipe includes cod fillets, lemon juice, and herbs for a healthy and flavorful meal.
  • Lemon-Herb Cod is a great option for a weeknight dinner.
  • The recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
  • You can serve Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with complementary side dishes like quinoa and asparagus.
  • This dish is perfect for those looking for a low-calorie and high-protein meal.

Introduction to Lemon-Herb Baked Cod

Easy Baked Cod is a delicious and healthy meal choice. It’s flavorful and full of nutrients, perfect for a Healthy Cod Recipe. The lemon-herb flavor makes the cod bright and refreshing, creating a tasty experience.

Cod is great for baking because of its mild flavor and firm texture. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it good for a balanced diet. The lemon-herb flavor goes well with many sides, like roasted veggies or quinoa, making it a versatile choice for Lemon Cod Fillets.

Why Choose Cod for Your Dish?

Cod is a top pick for this recipe because of its mild taste and firm texture. It’s also a good source of protein and has low fat, making it a healthy option. Some key benefits of cod include:

  • High protein content
  • Low fat levels
  • Firm texture
  • Mild flavor

Health Benefits of Cod

Cod is not only tasty but also healthy. It’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. Some key health benefits of cod include:

  • Rich in protein
  • Good source of omega-3 fatty acids
  • Low in saturated fat

The Versatility of Lemon-Herb Flavor Profile

The lemon-herb flavor is a great match for cod, making it versatile for different meals. It pairs well with many sides, such as:

  • Roasted vegetables
  • Quinoa
  • Salads

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a tasty Herb-Crusted Cod or Simple Baked Cod, you’ll need some key ingredients. Fresh cod fillets are the main attraction. It’s best to use skinless fillets that are 1 1/2 inches thick and weigh 6 ounces. You’ll also need lemons, olive oil, garlic, and spices like sweet paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil.

For the Herb-Crusted Cod, you can mix chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme. The Simple Baked Cod recipe uses a simpler seasoning blend. Both dishes benefit from lemon juice and melted butter. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 skinless cod fillets, 6 ounces each
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

With these ingredients, you can make a flavorful and moist Simple Baked Cod or a crispy Herb-Crusted Cod. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Fresh Ingredients for Optimal Flavor

Using fresh ingredients is key for the best flavor in your Herb-Crusted Cod or Simple Baked Cod. Choose fresh lemons, garlic, and herbs for the best taste.

Pantry Staples for Convenience

You’ll also need pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients make preparing a delicious meal quick and easy.

IngredientQuantity
Cod fillets4, 6 ounces each
Lemons2
Olive oil1/4 cup
Garlic4 cloves

Preparation Steps for Baking Cod

To start, clean and prep the cod fillets. Rinse them under cold water and dry with paper towels. Then, mix lemon juice, herbs, and spices in a bowl for the lemon-herb mixture.

The lemon-herb mixture is key for flavor. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  • Rinse the cod fillets under cold water
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels
  • Combine lemon juice, herbs, and spices in a small bowl
  • Brush the lemon-herb mixture evenly over the cod fillets

By following these steps, you can make a tasty Lemon-Herb Baked Cod. It’s easy with a simple recipe.

IngredientQuantity
Lemon juice1 tablespoon
Garlic1 teaspoon
Parsley1 tablespoon
Salt½ teaspoon
Pepper½ teaspoon

Baking Instructions and Tips

To make a tasty and healthy cod recipe, follow the right baking steps. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is the best temperature for baking cod. The cooking time varies based on the cod’s thickness, usually 12-15 minutes.

Use a thermometer to check if the cod is cooked to 145°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat.

For a moist and flavorful cod, avoid overcooking. Check the cod’s doneness by inserting a thermometer into its thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, flake the cod with a fork. It should flake easily and look opaque.

Key Baking Tips

  • Use a thermometer to ensure the cod reaches a safe internal temperature.
  • Don’t overcook the cod, as it can become dry and tough.
  • Use a gentle reheating method, such as adding moisture with broth, to prevent drying out.

By following these baking tips, you can make a healthy and delicious easy baked cod recipe. Always use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Lemon Cod Fillets, think about sides that match the citrusy flavor. Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts go well with cod. For a bigger meal, try quinoa or roasted potatoes.

Pair your Herb-Crusted Cod with a dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine’s crispness balances the cod’s richness. For a casual meal, a side salad or a warm soup works great too.

Complementary Side Dishes

  • Roasted vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.)
  • Quinoa or roasted potatoes
  • Side salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Hearty bowl of soup (such as creamy tomato or butternut squash)

Wine Pairings for Lemon-Herb Baked Cod

A dry white wine is perfect with your Lemon-Herb Baked Cod. Here are some top picks:

WineDescription
Sauvignon BlancCrisp and refreshing, with citrus and grassy notes
Pinot GrigioLight and crisp, with flavors of green apple and pear

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping your leftover simple baked cod delicious. Store the cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap each fillet in plastic and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

To reheat, the oven is best for keeping the cod moist and flavorful. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake the cod for about 10 minutes, until it’s hot and flakes easily. The microwave can make the cod dry and rubbery. Adding broth or melted butter before reheating helps keep it moist.

FAQ

What makes cod a good choice for this recipe?

Cod is a great pick for this recipe. It has a mild taste and a firm texture. Plus, it’s packed with protein and low in fat, making it a healthy choice.

What are the health benefits of cod?

Cod is a healthy choice because it’s high in protein and low in fat. It also offers vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and selenium.

How versatile is the lemon-herb flavor profile?

The lemon-herb flavor goes well with many dishes. Try it with roasted veggies or quinoa. It also pairs nicely with dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

What fresh ingredients are needed for this recipe?

You’ll need fresh cod fillets, lemon juice, and herbs for this recipe.

What pantry staples are required?

You’ll need olive oil, salt, and pepper from your pantry for this recipe.

How do you prepare the cod fillets?

Rinse the cod fillets under cold water. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.

How do you make the lemon-herb mixture?

Mix lemon juice, herbs, and spices in a small bowl to create the lemon-herb mixture.

What is the ideal oven temperature and baking time?

Bake at 400°F. The baking time is about 12-15 minutes, depending on the cod’s thickness.

How do you ensure the cod is cooked perfectly?

Use a thermometer to check the cod’s internal temperature. It should be 145°F for safety.

What are some recommended side dishes for this dish?

Serve with roasted veggies or quinoa for a tasty meal.

What wine pairings work well with lemon-herb baked cod?

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio white wines complement the lemon-herb flavor well.

How should you store leftover lemon-herb baked cod?

Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge.

What is the best way to reheat leftover lemon-herb baked cod?

Reheat in the oven to keep the moisture and flavor of the cod intact.

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