Save It There's something magical about the perfect sheet pan dinner - simple yet sophisticated, minimal cleanup with maximum flavor. This Garlic Herb Butter Cod brings together the delicate sweetness of fresh cod with an aromatic herb butter that melts into a luscious sauce. As the fish bakes alongside crisp green beans and golden potatoes, the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance that promises good things to come.
Save It This elegant yet unfussy dinner has become a regular in my rotation for both weeknight meals and casual entertaining. The combination of flaky cod and aromatic herb butter feels special enough for company, while the simple preparation keeps it accessible for busy evenings. The vegetables roast to perfection alongside the fish, absorbing all those wonderful flavors and creating a complete meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Fish & Marinade: 4 cod fillets (about 150 g each), skinless, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Garlic Herb Butter: 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Vegetables: 400 g (about 1 lb) baby potatoes, halved, 300 g (about 10 oz) green beans, trimmed, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and potatoes
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper. Toss baby potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread on half of the tray. Roast for 10 minutes.
- Make the garlic herb butter
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, dill, chives, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to make the garlic herb butter.
- Prepare the cod
- Pat cod fillets dry. Rub with 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add green beans
- After potatoes have roasted for 10 minutes, add green beans to the tray. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently.
- Add fish and finish baking
- Place cod fillets on the tray. Top each fillet with a generous dollop of garlic herb butter. Return tray to oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until cod is just opaque and flakes easily, potatoes are golden, and green beans are crisp-tender.
- Serve
- Serve immediately, spooning any melted herb butter from the tray over the cod and vegetables.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
The key to perfect cod is avoiding overcooking. The fish should be just opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. If your fillets are thicker or thinner than 150g each, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For thinner fillets, you may want to add them to the tray a few minutes after adding the green beans.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe works beautifully with other firm white fish like haddock or pollock. For a heartier version, add sliced lemon under the fish before baking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before serving. You can also swap the herb mixture based on what's available - thyme and rosemary make excellent alternatives to dill.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish straight from the oven with the melted herb butter spooned generously over the top. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio makes an excellent pairing, highlighting the delicate flavors of the fish. For a complete meal, all you need is a slice of crusty bread to soak up the incredible sauce.
Save It This Garlic Herb Butter Cod has become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. There's something genuinely satisfying about pulling a single tray from the oven and having a complete, balanced meal ready to serve. The combination of flaky fish, aromatic herbs, and perfectly roasted vegetables creates a harmony of flavors that feels far more sophisticated than the minimal effort required. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining, this dish strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What is the best way to cook the cod fillets?
Baking the cod fillets with garlic herb butter at 200°C (400°F) until just opaque ensures tender, flaky fish with a rich, buttery flavor.
- → How can I make the baby potatoes creamy?
Halve the baby potatoes and roast them after tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper to achieve a tender, creamy interior while maintaining a slightly crisp exterior.
- → Can I substitute the herbs in the garlic butter?
Fresh parsley, dill, and chives provide the main flavor, but you can adjust with thyme or basil for a different herbal note without overpowering the dish.
- → What is the ideal doneness for green beans in this dish?
Green beans should be crisp-tender after roasting briefly with potatoes and lightly tossed in olive oil, preserving a fresh texture and vibrant color.
- → How do the lemon zest and juice contribute to the dish?
Lemon zest and juice add bright, citrusy accents that balance the richness of the garlic herb butter and enhance the freshness of the cod.
- → Are there any recommended fish substitutes?
Firm white fish such as haddock or pollock can be used interchangeably with cod to maintain texture and mild flavor.