Herb-Infused Baked Cod

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're on the hunt for an easy, elegant dinner, look no further than this Herb-Infused Baked Cod. Perfectly flaky and bursting with fresh flavors, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy seafood any night of the week.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Baked Cod

Cod fillets are the star of this dish, providing a mild, flaky texture that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Olive oil acts as a lush base, carrying the flavors and helping to keep the fish moist as it bakes. A splash of lemon juice adds a bright and zesty twist that complements the delicate cod. Garlic brings a warm, aromatic depth, while fresh herbs like dill and parsley offer a burst of color and flavor. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, and a dash of paprika adds a subtle hint of smokiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be a bit lackluster in this dish.
  • Check your fish at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking; it should be just opaque.
  • If your fillets are on the thicker side, give them a couple of extra minutes in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This Herb-Infused Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or steamed vegetables. Consider serving it with a quinoa or couscous salad for a more filling meal. A glass of crisp white wine wouldn’t go amiss, either!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before using.
What if I don't have fresh dill or parsley?
Fresh is best, but you can substitute dried herbs in a pinch. Use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Is there an alternative to cod?
Haddock or halibut work well as substitutes, offering similar textures and flavors.

Herb-Infused Baked Cod Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is hot and ready by the time you prep everything else. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. This mixture will be the marinade that infuses the cod with flavor.

Next, arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the fillets, making sure each piece gets some love from the marinade. You want to give it a little turn or two in the dish to coat it fully.

In another bowl, mix together the dill, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle this herb mix over the cod evenly. Press the herbs gently onto the fillets so they stick during baking. Now, pop the dish into your preheated oven.

Let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the fish to be opaque and flaky. If it flakes easily with a fork, it's done! Serve it straight from the oven for the best experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  • Uses fresh herbs to create vibrant flavors.
  • A light and healthy choice that's still satisfying.
  • Minimal ingredients but maximum taste impact.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs cod fillets
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic, whisking until well mixed.
3. Arrange the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the olive oil mixture over them, ensuring even coverage.
4. In another bowl, mix the fresh dill, parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
5. Sprinkle the herb mixture over the cod fillets, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

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