Herb-Crusted Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz/170g each) 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz/170g each)
• 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh thyme leaves 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh chives, finely chopped 1 tablespoon (5g) fresh chives, finely chopped
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 16g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, chives, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Dip each cod fillet into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated.
4. 4.
   Press the butter-coated side of each fillet into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere the crust.
5. 5.
   Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with the remaining melted butter.
6. 6.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fish is cooked through.
7. 7.
   Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the herb-crusted cod fillets with a drizzle of the lemon butter sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cod fillets — Ensure the cod fillets are fresh and of high quality to achieve the best flavor and texture.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh herbs instead of dried ones to maximize the aromatic and vibrant flavors in the herb crust.
• Lemon — Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a bright and tangy taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing them with the herbs.
• If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can add a pinch of dried herbs, such as dried thyme or dried parsley, to the breadcrumb mixture.
• To make the dish more indulgent, you can add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve the herb-crusted cod with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
• If you don't have cod, you can substitute it with other white fish fillets, such as haddock or halibut.

Serving advice

Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for an elegant presentation. Serve the herb-crusted cod fillets hot, alongside a generous drizzle of the lemon butter sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the herb-crusted cod fillets on a platter, placing them at a slight angle for an appealing visual effect. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce in a zigzag pattern over the fillets to create an artistic touch. Serve with confidence and let the vibrant colors and enticing aroma speak for themselves.