Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cod fillets (6-8 oz. each, about 1-inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (for tomatoes)
- 1 lemon, zested and thinly sliced
Lemon Verde Butter
- 1/2 packed cup flat-leaf parsley leaves (not chopped)
- 1/2 packed cup fresh basil leaves (not chopped)
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from the above lemon)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil. Place them into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, arranging the thin lemon slices underneath the tomatoes to infuse the dish with citrus flavor.
- Season the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they bake properly. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, paprika, pepper, and onion powder. Season all sides of each fillet evenly with this spice blend, then carefully nestle the fillets between the tomatoes on top of the lemon slices.
- Make the Lemon Verde Butter: In a food processor, pulse the flat-leaf parsley, basil, and capers until finely chopped. Transfer this mixture to a medium bowl. Add the softened butter, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined. Evenly spread this flavorful butter over each cod fillet.
- Bake the Cod: Insert a digital probe thermometer into one of the fillets if you have one, for precise temperature monitoring. Bake the cod in the preheated oven, checking after 15 minutes. Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 135°F, approximately 20-25 minutes depending on fillet thickness. Thinner fillets will take more time, while thicker ones might cook faster.
- Serve: Once cooked, spoon the delicious juices from the baking dish over the cod. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides such as rice, orzo, or potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using a digital probe thermometer helps ensure perfectly cooked fish without overcooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets.
- Fresh herbs and capers in the butter add brightness and depth to the dish.
- This recipe works well with similar white fish if cod is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
