Cod FilletCod Fillet: A Light and Flaky DelightCod Fillet

This Cod Fillet is a delightful dish that showcases the delicate, flaky texture of cod paired with a zesty lemon herb sauce. It’s not only a feast for the palate, but it also makes for a stunning presentation that will impress your family and friends. With a few simple ingredients, this recipe captures the freshness of the sea and brings it straight to your dinner table, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll fall in love with this cod fillet recipe for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The mild taste of cod is enhanced by a bright lemon-herb dressing, making it a light yet satisfying dish that fits perfectly into a healthy diet. It’s quick to prepare, taking just under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s low in calories and high in protein, aligning beautifully with clean eating and weight management lifestyles.

Tips and Tricks

To ensure your cod fillets turn out perfectly:

• Choose Fresh Cod: Look for firm, moist fillets with a mild ocean scent.
• Pat Dry: Before seasoning, pat the fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better.
• Use Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
• Watch the Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat provides a nice sear without overcooking the fish.
• Fresh Herbs: Always opt for fresh herbs over dried for the best flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overcooking: Cod cooks quickly. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F and remove it from heat as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
• Too Much Seasoning: Cod has a delicate flavor; a little goes a long way. Start with a pinch of salt and adjust to taste.
• Skipping the Rest: Allow the fish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to maintain its moisture.

Make Ahead Tips

This cod fillet recipe can be partially prepped in advance:

• Marinate: You can marinate the cod in the lemon-herb mixture for up to 2 hours before cooking to enhance the flavors.
• Chop Herbs: Pre-chop your herbs and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Prep Sides: If serving with sides like rice or steamed vegetables, you can prepare these ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe:

• Different Fish: Swap out cod for haddock, halibut, or salmon depending on availability.
• Herb Swaps: Experiment with different herbs such as dill or tarragon for a new flavor profile.
• Cooking Methods: Try grilling or baking the cod instead of pan-searing for a different texture.

How to Serve

Serve the cod fillets on a vibrant plate with a drizzle of the lemon-herb sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color. Pair it with a side of steamed asparagus or a refreshing salad to create a complete meal. A light sprinkle of sea salt just before serving can elevate the flavors even further.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair this cod fillet with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing complement to the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon works beautifully. On the side, consider serving quinoa or couscous, and for dessert, a light sorbet can be a delightful finish to the meal.

How to Store

Leftover cod should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you wish to freeze it, wrap the cooled fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.

Equipment Needed

You will need:

• A non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan for perfect searing.
• A spatula for flipping the fillets gently without breaking them.
• A mixing bowl for the marinade.

Alternatives: If you don’t have a skillet, you can bake the cod in the oven on a lined baking sheet.

Dietary Adaptations

To make this recipe allergen-friendly:

• Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free; just be sure to check your seasoning blends.
• Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free as is; no modifications needed.
• Vegan: Substitute cod with tofu or tempeh, marinating them in the same lemon-herb mixture and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Seasonal Adaptations

In spring and summer, serve with fresh garden herbs like basil and mint for a vibrant flavor. In the fall and winter, consider adding roasted root vegetables as a side to complement the cod’s flavors.

Cost Breakdown

Estimated cost per serving is around $5 to $7, depending on the current market price of cod and herbs. For a budget-friendly swap, use frozen cod fillets or other white fish varieties, which are often less expensive.

Kitchen Hacks

• Quick Herb Chopping: Use kitchen scissors to snip fresh herbs directly into your marinade bowl for a faster prep.
• Minimize Fish Smell: To reduce any fish smell in your kitchen, simmer a pot of water with lemon slices while cooking.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use frozen cod? Yes, just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
• How long should I cook cod? Typically, 4-5 minutes per side should suffice, depending on thickness.
• What if my cod is too dry? This can happen if overcooked. Always check for doneness a minute or two before the estimated time.

How To Make cod fillet recipe

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Yield: 2

Cod Fillet

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This Cod Fillet is a delightful dish that showcases the delicate, flaky texture of cod paired with a zesty lemon herb sauce. It’s not only a feast for the palate, but it also makes for a stunning presentation that will impress your family and friends.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
3. Place the cod fillets in the bowl and coat them in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit more olive oil.
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated cod fillets to the skillet.
6. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Remove the cod from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
8. Drizzle with any leftover marinade and garnish with lemon wedges and parsley before serving.

Nutrition Information

Yield

2

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 340Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 99mgSodium 293mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 42g

Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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Final Thoughts

This cod fillet recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and healthy eating. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or hosting friends, it’s sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and delicious outcome, this dish will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process and savor each delightful bite!