A Symphony of Citrus: Baked Cod with Lemony Garlic Infusion
Elevate your seafood experience with our Baked Cod recipe featuring a tantalizing blend of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a medley of spices. This dish transforms simple cod fillets into a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crispiness of the coating to the flakiness of the baked cod, each bite is a delightful journey for your palate.
In our kitchen, the Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic has become a tale of culinary triumph. Picture this: the aroma of fresh parsley, the sizzle of cod fillets in a hot skillet, and the anticipation as the lemony garlic sauce drizzles over the fish. This recipe has rescued weeknight dinners, offering a quick and elegant solution that pleases both family and guests. The golden-brown crust gives way to succulent cod, creating a dish that has found its place as a regular star on our dinner table.
Why This Baked Cod with Lemony Garlic Infusion:
Why This Baked Cod with Lemony Garlic Infusion
- Citrus Elegance: The fresh lemon juice and garlic-infused sauce bring a burst of citrusy brightness to the mild flavor of cod.
- Spice Harmony: A blend of coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper creates a well-balanced coating that adds depth to every bite.
- Quick Seared Perfection: Searing the cod before baking locks in moisture, while the final bake ensures a fork-tender, flaky texture.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces, 4-6 pieces
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley leaves Lemon Sauce
- 5 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced For Coating
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a shallow bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter (reserve the garlic for later).
- In another shallow bowl, mix all-purpose flour, coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the cod fillets dry. Dip each fillet in the lemon sauce, then coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off excess flour. Reserve the remaining lemon sauce.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cod on each side for about 2 minutes, creating a golden color. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Add minced garlic to the reserved lemon sauce and drizzle it over the fish fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily with a fork (approximately 10 minutes).
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes: For a lighter option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets to ensure they are fully cooked. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.