Ingredients
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 cod filets
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
Garnish
- 1 lemon (sliced into rounds)
- Chopped parsley (to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the proper temperature for baking the cod evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Cod: Pat the cod filets dry with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture, then season both sides evenly with ground black pepper and salt. Set the filets aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Make Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and minced garlic. Stir well to blend all the flavors into a smooth sauce.
- Arrange for Baking: Lay lemon slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, then place the seasoned cod filets on top of the lemon slices. This helps infuse the fish with bright citrus flavor during baking.
- Apply Sauce and Bake: Pour the prepared garlic butter Cajun sauce evenly over the cod filets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod looks opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer the baked cod to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve with the baked lemon slices for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is essential for proper seasoning adhesion and to avoid steaming the fish during baking.
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning amount based on your spice preference.
- If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overbake the cod to maintain its moisture and flaky texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
