Welcome to Your New Favorite Dinner
Hey there, friend! If you’re craving something healthy and delicious, I’ve got a real treat for you today: Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts! This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests. Plus, it brings a little burst of freshness to your table that I know you’ll appreciate.
Nutritional Benefits of This Delightful Dish
Let’s talk about the good stuff! Cod is a fantastic source of lean protein, which helps keep you full and satisfied. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. And can we just take a moment to appreciate Brussels sprouts? They’re loaded with vitamins C and K, and they’re high in fiber, which is essential for digestion. By pairing these two, you’re not just enjoying a great dinner; you’re also giving your body some love!
Flexible Variations
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re looking for a meatless version, you can switch out the cod for chickpeas or tofu. Just roast them in the same lemon garlic butter for that amazing flavor!
- Different Veggies: Not a fan of Brussels sprouts? No problem! You can use broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower instead; just adjust the roasting time as necessary.
- Spice it Up: Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic butter sauce, and it’ll give your dish a delightful kick!
Your Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (portion size can vary based on your appetite!)
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice from 1 fresh lemon
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting that hot air going is essential for crispy Brussels sprouts!
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow them room to get crispy.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast those beauties for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir them halfway through roasting to ensure they cook evenly and get nice and golden brown.
- Prepare the Cod: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, season your cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Simple but effective!
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Add in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it smells incredible—be careful not to let it brown! Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Cook the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned cod fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for that golden crust, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Combine and Serve: After cooking, drizzle that fabulous lemon garlic butter over the cod fillets right in the skillet. Serve each fillet on a bed of roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Garnish and Enjoy!: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeeze that lemon goodness over your dish for an extra zesty flavor!
Practical Tips for Your Cooking Experience
- For perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts, make sure they’re cut evenly, so they roast at the same rate.
- If you have leftovers, store the cod and Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or skillet.
- If you’re cooking for one or two, this dish also makes a fantastic meal prep option! Make extra and portion it out for easy lunches during the week.
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need:
- A baking sheet for roasting
- A large bowl for tossing the veggies
- A skillet for cooking the fish
- A small saucepan for the garlic butter
- A spatula to flip the fish
- A sharp knife for dicing the garlic and prepping your veggies
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cod for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- What if I don’t have Brussels sprouts? Any veggie you have on hand will work! Just adjust your cooking time as needed based on their density.
- Can this be made ahead of time? You can prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and just reheat them along with the cod when ready to enjoy!
- How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Join the Conversation!
Now that you have this delicious recipe in your hands, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Did you make any fun variations? Snap a photo and share your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with me on Pinterest! Let’s inspire each other with delicious meals!
