Savory Baked Cod in Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce

Indulge in a delightful dish that perfectly balances tender, flaky cod with a rich, flavorful sauce. This baked cod recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The creamy garlic lemon sauce, enhanced with a hint of Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, elevates the simple cod to a gourmet level. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is both quick and elegant, a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it’s at the right temperature by the time your cod is ready to bake.

2. Prepare the Cod:
Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they are lightly browned. Once browned, remove the cod from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the heavy cream, broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Bring this mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Bake the Cod:
Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over each piece. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the cod. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.

5. Serve and Garnish:
Once baked, garnish your cod with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Pair with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or a light salad, to complete this delightful meal.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Enjoy the perfect harmony of flavors with this Savory Baked Cod in Creamy Garlic Lemon Sauce—a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make!