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Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (thermostat 6-7). This temperature is ideal for cooking the cod evenly while preserving its tenderness.
Prepare the cod: Rinse the cod fillets in cold water and dry them carefully with absorbent paper. Then place them in a baking dish.
Season the fish: Drizzle the cod fillets with a drizzle of olive oil. Then distribute the minced garlic cloves over the fish. Squeeze a lemon and pour the juice over the fillets. Add the aromatic herbs of your choice (thyme, rosemary, parsley) to delicately flavor the cod. Salt and pepper to taste.
Add the vegetables (optional): If you want to accompany your cod with vegetables, cut them into pieces and arrange them around the fish in the dish. You can use cherry tomatoes, zucchini, peppers or even onions.
Cooking: Place the dish in the oven and cook for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Cooking may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so it is important to check regularly. The cod is cooked when its flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving: Once the cod is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and leave to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and develop further.
By following these simple steps, you will have a tasty and perfectly cooked baked cod fillet, ready to enjoy.
Even though the recipe for baked cod fillet is simple, some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to avoid to make your dish a success:
Do not preheat the oven: It is essential to preheat the oven before placing the cod in it. A cold oven will lengthen the cooking time and could cause the fish to cook unevenly.
Overcrowding the dish: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish with too many cod fillets or vegetables. Too many ingredients can prevent even cooking and make fish less tender.
Overcooking: Cod is a delicate fish that can become dry if overcooked. Monitor the cooking closely and remove the fish from the oven as soon as its flesh becomes opaque and releases easily.
Forget the seasoning: Good seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavor of the cod. Don’t neglect the use of salt, pepper, herbs and lemon juice.
Do not use olive oil: Olive oil plays an important role in retaining the moisture of the cod during cooking. Be sure to baste the fish generously to prevent it from drying out.
Skipping rest after cooking: Allowing the cod to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to distribute evenly, making the fish more flavorful.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll maximize your chances of making the perfect, flavorful and tender baked cod fillet every time.
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