Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy yet incredibly flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare? Then look no further! This baked black cod recipe is your answer. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for a weeknight meal, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. This dish showcases the naturally delicate flavor of black cod, enhanced by a simple yet elegant sauce. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) black cod fillets, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1 tablespoon sake (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 scallion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), ginger, and garlic. This simple sauce is the key to the dish's amazing flavor.
Marinate the fish: Place the black cod fillets in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over them, ensuring both sides are coated. Allow the fish to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.
Bake to perfection: Bake the black cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets. Avoid overcooking, as this can result in dry fish.
Garnish and serve: Once cooked, garnish the baked black cod with thinly sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable side dish. This delicious dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Black Cod:
- Fresh is best: Use the freshest black cod fillets you can find for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the fillets in the baking dish to allow for even cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a fork to gently check if the fish flakes easily. This is the best indicator that it's cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, mirin, or ginger to your liking.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Citrus burst: Squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the fish before serving for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Herb infusion: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or chives to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Around 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 5-10 grams
This baked black cod recipe is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create healthy meals that are also incredibly delicious. It’s a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or anytime you're looking for a simple yet elegant dish. Enjoy!