Garlic Butter Parmesan Cod Delight

$- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - Lemon wedges for garnish - Baking dish - Parchment paper - Mixing bowl - Whisk or spoon for mixing When preparing Garlic Butter Parmesan Cod, having the right ingredients and equipment is key. You’ll need fresh cod fillets to ensure a tasty meal. The butter and garlic create a rich flavor, while the Parmesan adds a nice cheesy layer. Using fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh touch. The lemon juice gives a zesty kick, balancing the richness of the butter. Don’t forget the salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. For the equipment, a baking dish helps you cook the fish evenly. Lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. A mixing bowl is essential for blending your garlic butter. You can use a whisk or a spoon to mix everything well. With these ingredients and tools in hand, you’re ready to create a delicious, flavorful cod dish that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms your kitchen and gets the fish ready to cook. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well. You want a smooth sauce that smells great and tastes even better. Take your cod fillets and arrange them in the baking dish. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over each fillet. Make sure every piece is well-coated. This adds flavor and keeps the fish moist. Next, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the fillets. Cover them evenly. The cheese will melt and create a nice, crispy layer. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should also reach a safe internal temperature. When the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a nice bright flavor when squeezed on top before eating. To check for doneness, look for two signs. First, the cod should flake easily when you poke it with a fork. Second, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). This means the fish is safe to eat and tender. If you don't have a thermometer, a fork works well. Gently pull at the thickest part of the fillet. If it separates easily, it's done. You can add herbs and spices to boost flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme work wonders. Just sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. This makes the dish exciting and adds depth. Remember to balance flavors. Too much spice can overpower the garlic and Parmesan. Present your cod beautifully to impress. Start by plating the fillets on a large dish. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the top. This adds shine and flavor. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. This makes your meal look fresh and inviting. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. If possible, buy from a local fish market for optimal freshness. Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on the cod while it bakes; it should flake easily with a fork when done. Overbaking can lead to dry fish. Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the garlic and lemon juice to your taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side of quinoa or a light salad to balance the richness of the garlic butter and cheese. {{image_4}} If you want to switch things up, try different cheeses. You can use mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Feta cheese adds a salty punch. Or, you can go for a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. Each cheese brings a unique taste to your cod. Experiment to find your favorite! Roasting vegetables with the cod is a great idea. Try adding asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. They cook well in the oven and add color to your plate. Just toss them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them around the cod in the baking dish. This makes for a complete meal in one pan. This dish is easy to make gluten-free. The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the Parmesan cheese label. Some brands may add fillers that contain gluten. By following this tip, you can enjoy this tasty dish without worry. To keep your Garlic Butter Parmesan Cod fresh, start by letting it cool. Place the cod in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat leftovers within this time. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating properly is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. This method helps keep the cod tender and prevents it from drying out. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat it. If you want to freeze your cod, follow these steps. First, let the cooked cod cool completely. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze cod for up to two months. To thaw, move the cod to the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the instructions above. Enjoy your tasty cod at a later date! Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Cooking from frozen is easy. Just follow these tips: - Thaw the fish: If possible, thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. This helps it cook evenly. - Increase cooking time: Bake the fillets for about 15-20 minutes. Check them often. - Check doneness: Make sure the fish flakes easily with a fork. This shows it is cooked right. You can make Garlic Butter Parmesan Cod healthier with a few simple changes: - Use less butter: Try using 2 tablespoons instead of 4. This cuts calories. - Choose low-fat cheese: Use a low-fat Parmesan to reduce fat. - Add more veggies: Serve with steamed broccoli or spinach. This adds fiber and nutrients. Pair this cod with sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. - Fresh salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad adds crunch. - Rice or quinoa: These grains soak up the flavors nicely. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead of time: - Prep the garlic butter: You can mix it up to a day before. Store it in the fridge. - Assemble the dish: Arrange the cod and toppings in the baking dish. Cover it and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake when ready: Just pop it in the oven when you are ready to eat. Check these signs to know if your cod is cooked: - Flakes easily: Use a fork to flake the fish. If it separates easily, it’s done. - Opaque color: The fish should look white and not see-through. - Safe temperature: The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a food thermometer for accuracy. This blog post covers making a delicious Garlic Butter Parmesan Cod. You learned about the simple ingredients needed, the right equipment, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I also shared tips on perfecting the dish and variations for added flair. With these insights, you can confidently create a tasty meal. Whether you want to impress guests or treat yourself, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite!$

Garlic Butter Parmesan Cod Delight

A delicious and easy cod recipe baked with garlic butter and Parmesan cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
as needed Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). To streamline cleanup, line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended into a fragrant garlic butter sauce.
Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the fillets, aiming for an even coating that envelops the fish in a cheesy layer.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and its internal temperature reaches a safe level.
Once the cod is cooked to perfection, carefully remove it from the oven. Garnish the fish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the cod hot, alongside lemon wedges for an optional zesty squeeze right before enjoying.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges and a side of vegetables or salad.

Keyword baked fish, cod, garlic butter, Parmesan