Description
A deliciously simple and elegant baked cod recipe topped with nutty brown butter, toasted pine nuts, and aromatic sumac, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon juice. Perfect for a quick yet sophisticated meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 skinless cod fillets (each about 5 ounces and 1 inch thick)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Brown Butter Pine Nut Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (a small pinch)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sumac
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley leaves and tender stems
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (remaining from the total 3 1/2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod.
- Prepare Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and texture. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle ¾ teaspoon of salt and freshly cracked black pepper over the fillets. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Bake Cod: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the center is fully opaque and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Adjust time as needed based on fillet thickness.
- Make Brown Butter Pine Nut Sauce: When the cod has baked for about 5 minutes, begin the sauce. Melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 3 minutes as the butter melts and foams. Add the pine nuts and a small pinch of salt, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes while stirring often, until pine nuts turn golden and butter browns with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of sumac, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley, and the remaining 2 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice carefully (it may spatter).
- Serve: Divide the baked cod fillets among plates and generously spoon the brown butter and pine nut sauce over the fish. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are dry before baking to help achieve a better texture.
- Monitor the butter carefully while browning to prevent burning and to maximize nutty flavor.
- Sumac adds a lovely tangy note; if unavailable, a light sprinkle of lemon zest can be a substitute, though the flavor will differ.
- Adjust baking time depending on fish thickness to avoid overcooking.
- This dish pairs well with light sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: cod, baked fish, brown butter, pine nuts, sumac, lemon, healthy seafood, Mediterranean recipe
