“Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod” is a sublime seafood dish that embodies elegance and comfort, making it suitable for both a weeknight dinner and a sophisticated gathering. The image beautifully captures this essence, showcasing tender, flaky white fish fillets nestled in a rich, golden sauce, generously adorned with fresh green herbs. This dish is celebrated for its harmonious blend of delicate flavors and luxurious textures, primarily the succulence of the fish contrasted with the velvety embrace of the creamy sauce.
Cod, a popular white fish, is chosen for its mild flavor, firm yet flaky texture, and ability to absorb the vibrant flavors of the sauce without being overpowered. Its low fat content also makes it a healthy and lean protein option. The essence of this recipe lies in its incredibly flavorful and visually appealing sauce. Typically, this sauce is a concoction of butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of cream or milk, often thickened slightly with flour or cornstarch. The garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base, while the fresh lemon juice introduces a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the cream, preventing the dish from becoming too heavy. The cream adds an unparalleled silkiness and richness, creating a luscious mouthfeel that clings to every flake of fish. The gentle baking process ensures the cod remains moist and tender, cooking through evenly as it bathes in the flavorful sauce.
Visually, the dish is highly appealing. The light-colored fish fillets peek out from under the golden, bubbly sauce, often showing hints of browning on their exposed tops, which indicates a delicious caramelized crust formed during baking. The scattered fresh parsley or chives on top provide a vibrant green contrast, enhancing both the aroma and presentation. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes and palate but also surprisingly straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal active cooking time. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can be transformed into a truly memorable meal with relatively little effort. The “Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod” is a testament to the fact that seafood, often perceived as challenging, can be effortlessly turned into a comforting, impressive, and utterly delicious dish that will undoubtedly become a regular in any culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Cod:
- 4-6 (6 oz each) cod fillets, fresh or thawed frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 ½ cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, for gluten-free)
- ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish (large enough to fit fish in a single layer)
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Cod Fillets
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps them get a better sear and prevents a watery sauce. Season both sides of the cod fillets with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Lightly Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish or similar oven-safe dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the seasoned cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared dish. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Part 2: Prepare the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
- Make Roux (if using flour): If using flour to thicken, sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the garlic-butter mixture. Whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the 1 ½ cups half-and-half (or heavy cream) and ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth. Continue whisking to ensure there are no lumps, especially if you added flour.
- Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings: Stir in the ¼ cup fresh lemon juice and the optional ¼ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. If using cornstarch slurry instead of flour, add it now (whisk 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth, then whisk into simmering sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until thickened).
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the cod is already seasoned.
Part 3: Bake the Cod
- Pour Sauce Over Cod: Carefully pour the creamy lemon garlic sauce evenly over the cod fillets in the baking dish. Ensure the fish is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets. For very thick fillets, it may take a few minutes longer. The internal temperature of cooked fish should reach 145°F (63°C). The sauce should be bubbly and lightly browned on top.
- Broil for Golden Finish (Optional): For extra browning on top, you can briefly broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Part 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle generously with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve the “Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod” hot, directly from the baking dish or transferred to individual plates. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted asparagus or green beans would also make an excellent accompaniment.
Tips for Success:
- Fish Thickness: Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your cod. Thinner fillets will cook faster, while thicker ones will require more time.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod is prone to drying out if overcooked. It’s better to undercook slightly and let it finish cooking with residual heat if you’re unsure.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same bright, zesty punch.
- Cream Choice: Half-and-half will yield a lighter sauce, while heavy cream will result in a richer, thicker sauce. Choose based on your preference.
- Make Ahead (Partial): You can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before pouring over the fish and baking.
This comprehensive recipe should allow you to recreate the enticing “Creamy Lemon Garlic Baked Cod” seen in the image, providing a delicious and satisfying meal.
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