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- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juice and zest) - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges - Recommended side dishes: steamed vegetables, rice When I prepare lemon garlic butter cod, I gather these ingredients first. The cod is tender and flaky, making it perfect for this dish. I love using unsalted butter for a fresh start. Garlic adds a strong flavor, while the lemon gives it brightness. Thyme brings a lovely herbal note. I always keep salt and pepper on hand to enhance the taste. Fresh parsley makes the dish look nice and adds a pop of color. Lastly, I serve lemon wedges on the side. They are great for squeezing over the fish right before eating. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps in the cooking section. - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature works well for cod. - Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter. This step helps prevent sticking. - In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not browned. - Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat. - Place 4 cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they fit well. - Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet. Let them soak up all those great flavors. - Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on thickness. For the full recipe, check the details above. To choose fresh fish, look for bright eyes and shiny skin. The fillet should feel firm and spring back when pressed. Fresh cod has a mild scent, like the sea. If it smells strong or fishy, skip it. The color should be pale and even. Any brown spots may mean it's not fresh. When making garlic butter, taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more punch, add a pinch of salt or extra lemon juice. Fresh herbs give the best flavor. Use fresh thyme for a bright taste. If you only have dried herbs, use less because they are more potent. Plating is key to a great meal. Serve the cod on a white plate for contrast. Add some steamed veggies or rice next to it. For garnish, use fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness. A sprinkle of zest on top can also catch the eye. These small touches make your dish look fancy and inviting. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Butter Cod section above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fish in this recipe. Cod has a mild flavor, but you can try tilapia or haddock. Both have a nice texture. They will soak up the lemon garlic butter well. You can also use olive oil instead of butter. It gives a lighter taste but still tastes great. To add more flavor, try fresh herbs. Basil and dill work well with lemon. They add a bright taste. You can also use spices like paprika or chili flakes. These will bring warmth and depth to the dish. A little kick can make it exciting. If you need a gluten-free option, this recipe is perfect. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. For low-calorie changes, use less butter or olive oil. You can also serve smaller portions. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. After you enjoy the Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the fish fresh. This method helps lock in flavor and moisture. The best practice is to put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. You can safely keep it for up to three days. When you're ready to eat leftovers, reheat them carefully. The key is to avoid drying out the fish. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep moisture in. You can also use the stovetop. Heat a pan over low heat and add a splash of water. Cover it while reheating. The microwave works too, but it can dry out the fish quickly. Use it on low power for short bursts. If you want to save some for later, freezing cooked cod is a good choice. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the texture and flavor intact. Avoid thawing in the microwave, as it can change the fish's quality. For the best results, cook the cod fresh whenever you can. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section. The baking time for cod at 400°F varies based on thickness. For fillets around 1 inch thick, it takes about 12-15 minutes. Thicker fillets (1.5 inches) may need 15-20 minutes. Always check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily with a fork. This ensures your cod is perfectly cooked. Yes, you can use frozen cod! However, it's best to thaw it first. Place the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, seal them in a bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. This way, the cod cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors. Lemon garlic butter cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - Fluffy white rice or quinoa - Garlic mashed potatoes for a rich taste - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette These sides complement the dish and create a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with different pairings! You now have a complete guide to making lemon garlic butter cod. We've covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared ways to adapt the recipe and store leftovers effectively. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable, especially with this dish. Remember to choose fresh cod for the best flavor. Experiment with your favorite herbs and sides. Enjoy your meal, and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Delight your taste buds with this easy Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe! In just 25 minutes, you can prepare tender and flaky cod fillets bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a zesty lemon twist. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Learn how to make this delicious meal that your family will love and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

1/4 cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon (juice and zest)

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

      Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.

        Arrange Cod in Dish: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet, allowing them to soak up all the flavors.

          Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets.

            Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for drizzling.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4