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- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest from 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup jasmine rice - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup fresh baby spinach (optional) - Lemon wedges for serving Gathering the right ingredients makes a big difference in your dish. For this recipe, you’ll need fresh cod fillets. They should be firm and have a nice, clean smell. I love using unsalted butter for its rich flavor. Garlic brings great taste, so use fresh cloves. The lemon juice and zest add brightness and zing. The seasonings are key too. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky note, while dried parsley adds color. Salt and pepper are must-haves to enhance all the flavors. When it comes to the rice, jasmine works best for its fragrant aroma. Use vegetable broth for extra depth. If you want some greens, fresh spinach is a tasty option. Lastly, lemon wedges make a great finishing touch for serving. This mix of ingredients creates a flavorful dish that you and your family will love. Let's get ready to cook! Boiling the broth Start by bringing 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Use a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. This takes just a few minutes. Cooking the rice Once the broth is boiling, add 1 cup of jasmine rice. Stir it gently and cover the pot with a lid. Lower the heat to low and let it cook for 15 minutes. The rice will soak up the broth and become tender. Fluffing and seasoning the rice After cooking, remove the pot from the heat. Use a fork to fluff the rice. Add the zest and juice of the lemon. Season it with salt to taste. Keep the rice warm while you cook the cod. Heating the pan and butter Use a large skillet to cook the cod. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter melts and bubbles. Sautéing garlic Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant and just turning golden. Seasoning and cooking cod Take 4 cod fillets and season both sides with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Carefully place them in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. The cod should be golden brown and flake easily with a fork. Adding remaining butter After the cod is cooked, lower the heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt and mix with the garlic and lemon juices. Stirring in spinach (optional) If you want, add 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Stir it in and let it wilt. This adds a nice color and flavor to the dish. Combining flavors Make sure to mix everything well in the skillet. The garlic butter sauce should blend with the cod and spinach. This adds a delicious richness to your meal. To check if your cod is done, look for a few signs. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it still looks shiny or translucent, give it another minute or two. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish dry. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side. If you're unsure, keep a close watch on it near the end of cooking. When cooking rice, always start with the right water-to-rice ratio. For jasmine rice, a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice works perfectly. Once cooked, let it sit for a few minutes with the lid on. This helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently. For added flavor, mix in lemon zest and a pinch of salt right after fluffing. You can switch up the fish if you like. Try salmon or tilapia for a new taste. Each fish has its own flavor and texture. You can also cook the fish in an oven or on a grill. For oven cooking, set it to 400°F and bake for 12-15 minutes. If grilling, use a medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side. This adds a nice char and smoky flavor. {{image_4}} To keep your Minute Garlic Butter Cod and Lemon Rice fresh, store leftovers right. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, use airtight containers. This helps lock in flavors and moisture. Place the cod and rice in separate containers if possible. This way, you avoid soggy rice. Store in the fridge and eat within three days. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have options. The microwave is quick but can dry out the fish. If you prefer the stovetop, it gives better results. Heat a pan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep moisture. Place the cod in the pan and cover it. This helps it warm evenly. For the rice, add a little water before reheating. This keeps it fluffy and tasty. Enjoy your meal again, just like the first time! This Minute Garlic Butter Cod & Lemon Rice is not only tasty but also nutritious. Each serving contains about 400 calories. Here’s a quick look at key nutrients: - Protein: 30 grams - Fats: 18 grams - Carbohydrates: 40 grams These numbers can vary based on serving sizes and ingredients used. Cod is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and improve brain function. Cod also provides high-quality protein, which supports muscle health. Garlic is known for its many benefits. It can boost your immune system and may help lower blood pressure. Plus, it adds a great flavor to dishes. Lemon is rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is vital for skin health and boosts your immune system. The bright taste of lemon also enhances the dish, making it even more enjoyable. By enjoying this dish, you not only treat your taste buds but also nourish your body! You can check the cod in a few ways. First, look for a golden brown color on the outside. Next, gently poke the fish with a fork. If it flakes easily, it is done. The inside should be opaque and not translucent. Cooking time is about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw the fish in the fridge overnight or place it in cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, pat it dry before cooking. This helps the fish brown better. Cook the frozen fish for a minute or two longer than fresh. You can serve various sides with this dish. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A crisp green salad with a light dressing - Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes - Couscous or quinoa seasoned with herbs If you want an alternative meal idea, try serving the cod with a side of pasta or a light soup. These will balance the rich flavors of the garlic butter sauce. This blog post covered how to make a tasty cod dish. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and how to serve it. We also shared helpful tips and storage ideas to keep your meal fresh. Remember, well-cooked cod is tender, and lemon rice adds great flavor. Try different fish or methods for variety. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this recipe with friends!

Minute Garlic Butter Cod & Lemon Rice

Get ready for a delicious dinner with this zesty garlic butter cod and lemon rice recipe! Quick and easy to make, this dish features tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, served over fragrant lemon jasmine rice. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Juice and zest from 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup jasmine rice

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup fresh baby spinach (optional)

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the jasmine rice, give it a gentle stir, and then cover the saucepan with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Incorporate the lemon zest and juice, then season with salt to taste. Keep warm and set aside.

    Cook the Cod: While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant and just starting to turn golden.

      Season the Cod: Season both sides of the cod fillets with smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully place the seasoned fillets in the skillet with the aromatic garlic butter. Cook the fillets for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and can be flaked easily with a fork.

        Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Once the cod is cooked through, lower the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt and blend with the garlic and lemon juices. If desired, stir in the fresh spinach and cook briefly until wilted and vibrant green, ensuring everything is well combined.

          Serve: On each serving plate, place a generous scoop of the lemon rice, then top it with a beautifully cooked garlic butter cod fillet. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the cod for added flavor. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of zest.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4