Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a healthy and delicious meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This slow cooker cod recipe is your answer. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and delivers perfectly flaky cod every time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and satisfying meal that's ready when you are. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks will master effortlessly. Get ready to enjoy a delicious dish that’s both healthy and quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs cod fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Prep the Cod: Gently rinse the cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming mushy.
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Sauté Aromatics (Optional but Recommended): For enhanced flavor, heat the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Layer in Slow Cooker: Place the lemon slices in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, carefully place the cod fillets on top of the lemon slices. If you sautéed the garlic, pour it over the cod. Sprinkle the cod with the dried dill, salt, and pepper.
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Add Wine and Parsley: Pour the white wine over the cod fillets. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley evenly over everything.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the cod is easily flaked with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets and your slow cooker. Thicker fillets may need a bit longer.
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Serve: Carefully remove the cod from the slow cooker. Serve immediately, drizzled with the flavorful cooking liquid.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cod:
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked cod will be dry and tough. Use a fork to gently check for doneness; it should flake easily.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, vibrant flavor that elevates the dish. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute, but the fresh herb is definitely preferred.
- Wine Selection: Dry white wine is best for this recipe; it adds a subtle complexity without overpowering the delicate flavor of the cod. If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of extra lemon juice for brightness.
Variations:
- Mediterranean Cod: Add 1/4 cup of Kalamata olives, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Spicy Cod: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Cod: Stir in a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
This slow cooker cod recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and let us know how yours turned out! It's a great addition to your collection of homemade cooking recipes and certainly ranks among the best recipes for its simplicity and flavor.