Imagine a dish so tantalizing, it transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Lemon Herb Butter Cod isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent! With perfectly roasted asparagus, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and a luxurious lemon herb butter that will make your mouth water, this recipe is about to become your new go-to seafood sensation.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 bunch asparagus
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cod cooks evenly and the vegetables roast perfectly.
- Prepare the asparagus by trimming the tough ends. You can do this by holding each spear and bending it gently until it naturally snaps. This will remove the woody part of the stem.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Spread the asparagus and tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help with cleanup and prevent sticking.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh parsley. Mix well to create a lemon herb butter.
- Place the cod fillets on the baking sheet alongside the asparagus and tomatoes. Season the cod with salt and pepper. Spoon the lemon herb butter generously over each fillet, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, and the asparagus is tender.
- Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- To serve, plate the cod fillets alongside the roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle any remaining lemon herb butter from the baking sheet over the top for added flavor.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your Lemon Herb Butter Cod with Asparagus and Tomatoes!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fish: Always select the freshest cod fillets possible. Look for firm, white flesh with no discoloration.
- Pat Dry: Before seasoning, thoroughly pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures better butter adherence and helps achieve a beautiful golden exterior.
- Don't Overcook: Cod is delicate! Cook just until it's opaque and flakes easily. Overcooking will make it tough and dry.
- Use Parchment Paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze while ensuring even cooking.
- Temperature Matters: A preheated 400°F oven is key to achieving that perfect roast on both fish and vegetables.
- Butter Distribution: When spooning lemon herb butter, make sure each fillet is generously and evenly coated for maximum flavor infusion.Pro tip: Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to settle and juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a mouthwatering final result!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
