Oh, the joy of discovering easy recipes! Especially when they involve something as versatile and forgiving as frozen cod.
I remember wandering through the frozen aisles, somewhat aimlessly, when the idea struck—why not try something new with this humble fish? It’s like a blank canvas, waiting for flavors to be painted upon it.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Frozen?
Really? ” But trust me, these recipes are about to change your mind.
Picture this: a kitchen filled with the aroma of herbs and spices, a cozy evening where the only thing more comforting than the food is the company.
It’s like finding a hidden gem in a sea of mundane weekday dinners. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself?
So, if you’re ready to transform your culinary routine, grab that frozen cod and let’s make some magic.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the capers to complete the sauce mixture.
- Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the fillets, using a brush to ensure even coverage. Sprinkle each fillet with paprika to add flavor and color.
- Bake the cod uncovered in the preheated oven until fully cooked. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, which should take around 15 minutes. Serve the baked cod immediately for the best taste and texture.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray (for the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon of another type of salt, such as Morton kosher salt)
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons of capers, drained
- 4 cod fillets, each 6 ounces and approximately 1 inch thick, fresh or frozen
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
Nutritional Values
Calories: 780 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 124 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Sodium: 2120 mg | Fiber: 0.8 g
FAQ
- Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
- Yes, frozen cod can be used. It is often easier to prevent overcooking when the fish is baked from frozen. Just add ten extra minutes to the cooking time. When using frozen cod, opt for olive oil instead of butter, as butter hardens on frozen fillets.
- How do I determine if the fish is fully cooked?
- The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 145°F. Alternatively, gently flake the fish with a fork; it should be opaque and easily separate. If the flesh resists flaking, it needs more time.
- Should the fish be baked covered or uncovered?
- You should bake the cod uncovered. This allows the fish to cook properly without steaming, ensuring a better texture.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave at 50% power to prevent the fish from drying out.
- What sides pair well with baked cod?
- This dish pairs well with sides that can absorb the delicious buttery sauce, such as cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach. Other great options include roasted asparagus and salads like cherry tomato or broccoli salad.
Tips
- For the best flavor, freshly squeeze your lemon juice and mince your garlic instead of using bottled lemon juice or pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- If you’re using frozen cod fillets, opt for olive oil instead of butter, as butter tends to harden on cold fillets. Also, increase your baking time by about ten minutes to ensure the fish is cooked through.
- Keep an instant-read thermometer on hand to check if your fish is done. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F, or gently flake the fillet with a fork to see if the flesh is opaque and separates easily.
- To prevent the cod from drying out, it’s crucial to bake it uncovered and baste it with the buttery sauce, ensuring a tender and flavorful dish.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer – To ensure the cod is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 145°F.
- Baking dish – If you don’t already own a suitable dish for baking fish.
- Kitchen brush – For evenly distributing the butter mixture on the fish fillets.
