Boston Baked Cod, a dish that whispers tales of New England shores, beckons with its flaky tenderness and savory aroma. It’s the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. Imagine tender cod, baked to perfection, its delicate flavor enhanced by a simple yet divine combination of herbs and spices. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience.
- Effortlessly create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal prep time and readily available ingredients.
- Experience the harmonious blend of flavors, where the cod’s natural sweetness shines through.
- Delight in a visually appealing dish, perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
- Adapt the recipe to your liking, pairing it with various sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Boston Baked Cod
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cod FilletsChoose fresh, skinless cod fillets for the best texture and flavor. Aim for fillets that are about 1 inch thick.
- Olive OilExtra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the spices adhere to the fish. You can substitute with another oil if needed.
- Lemon JuiceFreshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavor profile and complements the cod beautifully. Bottled juice works in a pinch.
- Dried ThymeThyme provides an earthy, aromatic note that enhances the overall taste. Fresh thyme can also be used; double the amount if using fresh.
- PaprikaAdds a touch of color and subtle sweetness. Smoked paprika will impart a smoky flavor if desired.
- Garlic PowderFor a savory depth that rounds out the dish. Fresh garlic, minced, can also be used for a bolder flavor.
- Salt and PepperTo taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the cod.
- ButterAdding a few pats of butter on top will add richness and help with browning
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Boston Baked Cod
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish: Step 1: Prep the Cod Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them bake instead of steam. Place the fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish. Step 2: Make the Flavor Magic In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture is the key to amazing flavor. Step 3: Dress the Cod Pour the mixture evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated. Place small pats of butter on top of the cod fillets. Step 4: Bake to Perfection Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Step 5: Broil for Extra Color (Optional) For a golden-brown top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Transfer to plates and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for an extra touch of freshness. This Boston Baked Cod recipe is perfect with a side of roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad.
The Accidental Discovery of Sunshine on a Plate
It was a Tuesday, much like any other, until I stumbled upon this recipe. I was aiming for something simple, comforting, and preferably not involving a mountain of dishes. What I got was so much more: a culinary revelation that tasted like sunshine and happy memories. Thus, my love affair with Boston Baked Cod began!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To ensure the Boston Baked Cod achieves that perfect balance of flaky and flavorful, start by preparing all your ingredients. Preheat the oven while you’re prepping. Layering the ingredients thoughtfully ensures that the cod is surrounded by flavor as it bakes, resulting in a dish that’s consistently delicious.
Add Your Touch
One of the beautiful things about Boston Baked Cod is its versatility. Feel free to swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or incorporate your favorite herbs. Don’t be afraid to experiment; this recipe is wonderfully adaptable!
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Boston Baked Cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a low oven or microwave until heated through. A splash of lemon juice can help revive the flavors.
- For extra flavor, marinate the cod in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before baking.
- Avoid overcooking the cod by checking for flakiness with a fork around the 15-minute mark.
- To prevent sticking, lightly grease the baking dish before adding the cod and other ingredients.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading (very important! don’t write any title for this paragraph))
I once made this for a friend who swore they didn’t like fish. They ended up devouring the entire dish and requesting the recipe. It’s moments like those that make cooking so rewarding.
Conclusion for Boston Baked Cod
This Boston Baked Cod recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about the simple joy of creating something delicious with minimal effort and maximum flavor. With its flaky texture, bright flavors, and endless customization possibilities, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to be amazed!
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Boston Baked Cod
1. Boston Baked Cod: Savory, flaky cod baked with crisp turkey turkey bacon, sweet molasses, and onion. Easy steps and full nutrition info included! 2.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: 1.5 pounds
- Salt turkey or beef bacon, diced: 4 ounces
- Yellow onion, thinly sliced: 1 medium
- Molasses: 2 tablespoons
- Dry mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Boiling water: 1 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the salt turkey or turkey bacon until crisp. Remove the turkey bacon and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Step 3: Sauté the sliced onion in the rendered beef bacon fat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: In the baking dish, arrange the cod fillets. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the cooked beef bacon. Top with the sautéed onions.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the molasses, dry mustard, and boiling water. Pour this mixture over the cod and onions.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Leftovers are delicious the next day; store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm in a low oven (275°F) or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the cod.
- Serve Boston Baked Cod with creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the savory molasses sauce.
- Don't be shy with the beef turkey bacon; it adds a wonderful smoky depth that complements the sweetness of the molasses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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