This delightful lemon herb cod recipe is a perfect blend of zesty citrus and aromatic herbs, creating a light and flavorful dish. It's an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. The combination of lemon juice and herbs enhances the natural taste of the cod, making it a refreshing and healthy option.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up fresh cod fillets from the seafood section of your supermarket. Additionally, freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, and you may need to purchase a lemon if you don't have one on hand. Minced garlic can be found in the produce section or you can mince it yourself from fresh garlic cloves.
Ingredients for Lemon Herb Cod Recipe
Cod: A mild-flavored white fish that is versatile and easy to cook.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to keep the fish moist during baking.
Lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy flavor that complements the fish and herbs.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory note to the dish.
Oregano: A dried herb that brings a slightly bitter, earthy flavor.
Thyme: Another dried herb that adds a subtle, minty taste.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your cod fillets cook evenly and remain moist, consider marinating them in the lemon herb mixture for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the fish more deeply, enhancing the overall taste and texture. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before placing the dish inside to ensure consistent cooking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cod - Substitute with tilapia: Tilapia has a mild flavor and flaky texture similar to cod, making it a suitable alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and high smoke point, which works well for cooking fish.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor to lemon juice.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlicky flavor, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic.
dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a different but complementary herbaceous flavor that pairs well with fish.
dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary has a robust and aromatic flavor that can enhance the taste of the fish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also introduce a different taste profile.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar spiciness but with a slightly different flavor profile and a more subtle appearance.
Other Alternative Recipes to Try
How To Store / Freeze Your Dish
- Allow the cod to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fish soggy.
- Transfer the cooled cod fillets to an airtight container. If stacking fillets, place a piece of parchment paper between each to prevent sticking.
- Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, consume within this timeframe.
- To freeze, wrap each cod fillet individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the fish.
- Place the wrapped fillets in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. While the cod will remain safe to eat beyond this period, the quality may start to decline.
- When ready to use, thaw the cod in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Reheat the cod in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave on a low setting, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- For a fresh twist, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the reheated cod and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the leftover cod fillets in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the fish's delicate texture and flavor.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter to the pan. Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the fish is warmed through. This method adds a slight crispiness to the exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Microwave Method: Place the cod fillets on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. This method is quick but may slightly alter the texture.
Steam Method: Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring to a simmer. Place the cod fillets in a steamer basket and cover. Steam for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the fish tender.
Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, set it to 130°F (54°C). Place the cod fillets in a vacuum-sealed bag and immerse in the water bath for about 20-30 minutes. This method ensures even reheating without overcooking, preserving the fish's original texture and flavor.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cod fillets at a consistent temperature of 400°F (200°C).
Mixing bowl: Utilized to whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Whisk: Helps in thoroughly combining the lemon herb mixture.
Baking dish: Holds the cod fillets and the lemon herb mixture while baking.
Measuring spoons: Ensures precise measurement of ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Knife: Used for mincing the garlic and slicing the lemon for garnish.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for mincing garlic and slicing lemon.
Fork: Checks the doneness of the fish by seeing if it flakes easily.
Tongs: Handy for placing the cod fillets into the baking dish and serving them once cooked.
Serving platter: For presenting the baked cod fillets, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start preparing the cod fillets to ensure it reaches the desired temperature by the time you're ready to bake.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra cod fillets to have leftovers for another meal.
Lemon Herb Cod Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets Cod about 6 oz each
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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