Perhaps you are looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious dinner option that comes together quickly. Lemon Herb Baked Cod is a fantastic choice! It’s light, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it perfect for any night of the week. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
## Ingredients Needed
* 4-6 cod fillets (about 1 ½ lbs of cod)
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
* 3 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1 tablespoon parsley, minced
* 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
* 4-6 lemon slices
* 1 teaspoon dill leaves, minced
* 1 teaspoon coarse salt
* 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
## Step By Step Making
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, minced parsley, thyme leaves, minced dill, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
3. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Brush them generously with the lemon herb butter mixture.
5. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the cod fillets. Place the lemon slices on top of the fish.
6. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture evenly over the fish and tomatoes.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish, as this can make it rubbery.
8. Garnish with any extra fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately with the delicious sauce from the pan. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a crusty piece of bread.
## Nutritional Value
A 6-ounce serving of baked cod contains approximately 253 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of about 55% protein, 26% fat, and 19% carbohydrates.
## Health Benefits
Cod is a highly nutritious fish, rich in lean protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. It’s a great source of vitamin B12, which is important for nerve and blood cell health, and can help prevent anemia. The omega-3 fatty acids found in cod are beneficial for heart health, potentially helping to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Cod also provides phosphorus, essential for strong bones and teeth, and selenium, which helps protect DNA. Its low-fat content makes it a good choice for weight management and overall heart health.
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