🐟 Delicate cod fillets bathed in a zesty lemon butter sauce, kissed with herbs, and baked to perfection. Each bite is a wave of flavor that brings the ocean’s freshness right to your fork.
Ingredients:
4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
4 thin lemon slices
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Additional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season them on both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. If the cod has skin, place it skin-side down first, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Transfer the partially cooked cod to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) with the melted butter and lemon juice.
Pour the lemon butter herb mixture over the cod fillets in the baking dish.
Place a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for a minute. Drizzle with more olive oil if desired and garnish with additional fresh herbs.
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for additional lemony flavor.
This dish offers a tender, flaky texture with a bright burst of lemon and a hint of herbs, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal. Enjoy your lemon baked cod!
