This Mediterranean baked cod is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish, perfect for a quick dinner. Packed with the bright flavors of lemon, capers, and spices, it’s sure to delight any seafood lover. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. cod fillet
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Zest of 1 lemon plus additional lemon slices for baking
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons capers
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the fish cooks quickly and remains moist.
- Prepare the Cod:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes a good texture in the cooked fish.
- Season the Fish:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, melted butter, ground coriander, paprika, and lemon zest. Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Season both sides of the fillets with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Drizzle the olive oil and butter mixture over the cod, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Add Garlic, Capers, and Lemon:
- Scatter the thinly sliced garlic and capers over and around the cod. Arrange a few lemon slices around the fish for added moisture and flavor during baking.
- Bake the Cod:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the cod from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Fish Selection: While this recipe uses cod, you can easily substitute other white fish such as haddock, pollock, or halibut based on availability and preference.
- Additional Vegetables: To make this a complete meal, you can add asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the baking dish before cooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a light salad to keep it healthy and balanced.
Conclusion:
This Mediterranean baked cod is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. It’s a perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner or a healthy meal option when you want something delicious without too much fuss. Enjoy the blend of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors in this delightful fish recipe!