Description
Succulent lemon garlic butter cod brings Mediterranean flavors to this satisfying seafood bowl. Roasted brussels sprouts and zesty sauce complement tender fish, creating a balanced meal you’ll crave for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) cod fillets, cut into portions
- 2 tbsps butter
- 4 tbsps olive oil
- 1 lbs (454 g) Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cups cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour (optional, for light coating)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously trim and halve Brussels sprouts, ensuring uniform size. Coat thoroughly with olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Roasting Process: Spread Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet, maintaining space between pieces. Roast in a preheated 425F oven for 20-25 minutes until edges caramelize into crispy, golden-brown perfection.
- Fish Preparation: Completely dry cod fillets with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper, creating a delicate protective layer.
- Cooking Technique: Activate a large skillet over medium heat with a harmonious blend of olive oil and butter. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence briefly.
- Cod Searing: Gently place seasoned cod into the fragrant pan, developing a golden crust. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until fish becomes translucent and flakes effortlessly.
- Flavor Enhancement: Illuminate the dish with a vibrant lemon juice squeeze. Scatter lemon zest and chopped parsley across the surface. Tenderly drizzle infused garlic butter over the cod.
- Plating Composition: Create a foundation of fluffy rice or quinoa. Artfully arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and perfectly cooked cod atop the grains.
- Final Flourish: Complete the culinary masterpiece with an additional lemon juice drizzle and a final parsley sprinkle, transforming the dish into a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal.
Notes
- Ensure Even Brussels Sprouts: Cut sprouts uniformly to guarantee consistent roasting and prevent uneven caramelization. Smaller, similar-sized pieces cook more predictably.
- Pat Cod Completely Dry: Remove excess moisture from fish fillets before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Control Garlic Cooking Time: Sauté minced garlic briefly to prevent burning, which can create a bitter taste. Watch for a golden, fragrant moment before adding cod.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap rice with cauliflower rice for low-carb version or use gluten-free alternatives. Consider plant-based butter for dairy-free adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg