Why make this recipe
Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce is a simple and delicious dish that brings together vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. The cod is light and flaky, while the herb butter adds a rich flavor that enhances the dish without overpowering it. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also showcases the freshness of zucchini and carrots, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. Plus, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
How to make Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces cod fillets (about 6 oz. (170g) per fillet, pat dry)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- ½+ ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
- A few rounds freshly ground black pepper
- 10 oz. zucchini (diced to rounds, about 2 medium zucchini)
- 6 oz. carrots (diced to small cubes)
- 4 tbsp unsalted ghee or butter (softened at room temperature but not melted)
- 3 tbsp tahini (or pure sesame paste)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (about 1 whole lemon, save the lemon for serving)
- 3 tbsp finely minced parsley leaves (leaves only, no stems)
- 3 tbsp finely minced cilantro leaves (leaves only, no stems)
- 3 tbsp finely chopped chive
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt (or to taste)
- A small pinch ground black pepper (or to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204 °C).
- Pat dry the cod and place them in a 12-inch round casserole skillet (or dish) that’s oven safe. Season the fish with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and a few rounds of black pepper.
- Place the sliced zucchini around and between the fillets. Don’t cover the fillets so the fish can cook evenly. Add the diced carrots. Sprinkle ¼ tsp salt and 1 tbsp oil over the vegetables.
- Send it to the oven, uncovered, in the middle rack for 20 minutes. The fish is cooked when the center internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- In the meantime, make the herb butter. Combine all the ingredients from butter to pepper in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash and combine well.
- As soon as the fish is out of the oven, while it’s still hot, drizzle with 1 more tbsp of olive oil. Add about 1 tbsp of the herb butter on top of each cod fillet. Cover the pan for 5 minutes to allow the butter to melt.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve with sliced lemon wedges on the side. Serve immediately.
How to serve Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce
To serve Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce, place the fillets on individual plates along with the roasted zucchini and carrots. Drizzle extra herb butter over the fish and garnish with lemon wedges. This dish pairs well with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
How to store Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing. Place the cod and vegetables in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in the oven at a low temperature or microwave gently until warmed through to avoid drying out the fish.
Tips to make Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce
- Make sure to pat the cod dry before seasoning to get a nice, slightly crispy texture when baking.
- Feel free to swap the vegetables for others you have on hand, such as bell peppers or asparagus.
- Adjust the herbs in the butter to your taste. Dill or basil can be great alternatives to parsley or cilantro.
Variation
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter mixture. You can also swap in salmon or another white fish if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry.
2. What can I use instead of tahini?
If you don’t have tahini, you can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as an alternative.
3. Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Conclusion
Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together healthy ingredients and robust flavors. For more ideas and variations, you can check out this delicious recipe for Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod. Enjoy cooking and savoring this wholesome meal!
Print
Baked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A simple and delicious dish featuring light and flaky cod drizzled with a rich herb lemon butter sauce, complemented by roasted zucchini and carrots.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces cod fillets (about 6 oz. each, pat dry)
- 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- ½ + ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
- A few rounds freshly ground black pepper
- 10 oz. zucchini (diced to rounds, about 2 medium zucchini)
- 6 oz. carrots (diced to small cubes)
- 4 tbsp unsalted ghee or butter (softened at room temperature but not melted)
- 3 tbsp tahini (or pure sesame paste)
- 2 tsp lemon zest (about 1 whole lemon)
- 3 tbsp finely minced parsley leaves (leaves only, no stems)
- 3 tbsp finely minced cilantro leaves (leaves only, no stems)
- 3 tbsp finely chopped chives
- ¼ tsp coarse sea salt (or to taste)
- A small pinch ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Pat dry the cod and place in a 12-inch round casserole skillet (or dish) that’s oven safe. Season with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, and black pepper.
- Place the sliced zucchini around and between the fillets. Add the diced carrots, sprinkle with ¼ tsp salt and 1 tbsp oil.
- Bake uncovered in the middle rack for 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Meanwhile, combine all herb butter ingredients in a small bowl and mash together.
- Remove the fish from the oven, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and add 1 tbsp of the herb butter on each cod fillet. Cover the pan for 5 minutes.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure to pat the cod dry for a crispy texture. You can swap vegetables and adjust herbs as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked cod, herb butter, healthy meal, quick dinner, fish recipe