Imagine a seafood dish so incredibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience - that's exactly what this Roast Cod with Garlic Butter Sauce promises! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive, tastes extraordinary, and will have your family and guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe guarantees a perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth cod that's bursting with rich, buttery garlic flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cod will cook evenly and develop a nice, flaky texture.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the cod fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a medium-sized skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice. This will create a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Set this mixture aside.
- In an oven-safe baking dish, place the seasoned cod fillets. Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets, making sure they are well coated.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast the cod for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- While the cod is roasting, prepare the garnish. Finely chop fresh parsley and set it aside.
- Once the cod is cooked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
- To serve, plate the cod fillets and drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the top. Sprinkle the chopped parsley for a fresh touch and added color.
- Enjoy your delicious roast cod with garlic butter sauce alongside your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a light salad.
Tips
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful golden exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality cod for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the fish - it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Use a meat thermometer if possible; cod is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C).
- Fresh garlic makes a significant difference in the sauce's flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
- Choose unsalted butter to control the salt level in your dish.
- Let the fish rest for a minute after cooking to help retain its moisture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 396kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 105mg
