Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? This Crispy Almond-Herb Cod with Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce is your answer! Flaky cod fillets are coated in a vibrant, crunchy almond-herb crust and bathed in a bright, zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for pescatarians, seafood lovers, or anyone looking to add more fish to their diet. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant meal!
What You’ll Need
- Cod Fillets (2 fillets, about 200g / 7oz each): We’re using skinless, boneless cod fillets for their mild flavor and flaky texture. Cod is a great source of lean protein and essential nutrients. You can substitute with haddock or pollock if desired.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp / 15ml): Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. It’s used for searing the cod, creating a beautiful golden crust.
- Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp / 15g / ½ oz, divided): Butter adds richness and flavor to both the crust and the sauce. We’ll be using it in two stages – half for searing and half for the almond-herb mixture.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced, about 1 tsp): Freshly minced garlic is essential for the aromatic lemon-garlic butter sauce. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon, ≈1g / ¼ tsp): Lemon zest provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that complements the cod beautifully. Be sure to zest only the yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon, ≈30ml / 2 tbsp): Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the sauce’s tangy flavor. Bottled lemon juice doesn’t compare!
- Toasted Almond Slices (2 tbsp / 30g / 1oz, finely chopped): Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the herb crust. Toasting them enhances their flavor significantly.
- Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp / 15g / ½ oz, chopped): Fresh parsley provides a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. It’s used in both the crust and as a garnish.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (1 tsp / 5ml): Thyme adds an aromatic, earthy note to the herb crust. You can use dried thyme if fresh isn’t available, but use about ½ tsp.
- Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (60ml / ¼ cup): Vegetable broth forms the base of the lemon-garlic butter sauce, adding depth of flavor. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
Substitutions & Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking! Here are a few ideas:
- Fish: Haddock, pollock, or even halibut can be substituted for cod.
- Nuts: Pecans or walnuts can be used instead of almonds.
- Herbs: Dill, chives, or oregano can be added to the herb crust for different flavor profiles.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick to the sauce.
Detailed Instructions for Perfectly Crispy Cod
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Begin by patting the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; cod can be a mild fish and needs a good base flavor.
- Make the Almond-Herb Crust: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped toasted almond slices, chopped fresh parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and lemon zest. Add the melted butter (½ tbsp) and mix thoroughly. The mixture should come together and hold its shape slightly – this ensures it adheres well to the cod.
- Sear the Cod: Preheat a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and remaining ½ tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet. Sear for 2 minutes per side without moving them. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Apply the Crust: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently press the almond-herb mixture onto the top of each fillet, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Pressing gently helps the crust adhere without falling off during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (200°C / 400°F) and bake for 6-8 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown and delightfully crisp.
- Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce: While the cod is baking, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Stir in the lemon juice and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and the flavors to meld. Finish by stirring in the remaining chopped parsley and season with a pinch of salt.
- Plate and Serve: Carefully remove the cod fillets from the oven. Place each fillet on a warm plate. Drizzle generously with the lemon-garlic butter sauce, ensuring some sauce pools around the fish. Garnish with a few extra parsley leaves and a lemon wedge for a pop of color. Serve immediately.
Choosing the Right Cod for This Recipe
While any type of cod will work, I recommend using Atlantic cod or Pacific cod for this recipe. Atlantic cod tends to be slightly larger and has a more pronounced flavor, while Pacific cod is a bit milder. Both are excellent choices and will yield a flaky, delicious result. Look for fillets that are firm, opaque, and have a fresh, clean smell. Avoid fillets that appear dull or have a fishy odor.
The Importance of Toasted Almonds
Don’t skip toasting the almonds! Toasting them brings out their natural nutty flavor and adds a wonderful depth to the crust. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast them in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. Let them cool completely before chopping.
Why This Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce Works So Well
The lemon-garlic butter sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy cod. The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter and cod, creating a balanced and flavorful dish. The garlic adds a savory note, and the vegetable broth provides a subtle depth of flavor. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the sauce.
Tips for a Super Crispy Crust
Achieving a truly crispy crust requires a few key techniques. First, ensure the cod fillets are thoroughly dry. Second, don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing – this will lower the temperature and prevent the fish from browning properly. Third, use a good quality non-stick or cast iron skillet. Finally, resist the urge to move the fish while it’s searing; let it develop a nice golden-brown crust before flipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, you can! However, make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and searing. Frozen cod can sometimes be a bit more watery than fresh cod, so extra drying is essential.
Can I substitute other herbs for parsley and thyme?
Absolutely! Dill, chives, or oregano would all be delicious additions to the almond-herb crust. Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs.
What can I serve with this cod?
This cod pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are excellent choices), mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.
Enjoy this delightful Crispy Almond‑Herb Cod with Lemon‑Garlic Butter Sauce! It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
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garlic butter cod with lemon easy 30 minute recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful cod fillets coated in an almond-herb crust and drizzled with a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 200g cod fillets (2 fillets)
- 15ml olive oil
- 15g unsalted butter (divided)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1g lemon zest
- 30ml lemon juice
- 30g toasted almond slices (finely chopped)
- 15g chopped fresh parsley
- 5ml fresh thyme leaves
- 60ml low-sodium vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Cod: Pat cod dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Make Crust: Combine almonds, parsley, thyme, zest, and ½ tbsp butter.
- Sear Cod: Sear cod in oil and ½ tbsp butter for 2 minutes per side.
- Apply Crust: Press almond mixture onto cod fillets.
- Bake: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 6-8 minutes, until flaky.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add lemon juice and broth, simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over cod and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Patting the cod dry is crucial for a crispy crust. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor. Don’t burn the garlic when making the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Bake, Sear
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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