There are so many ways you can enjoy the delicate flavor of cod fish, but baking cod in foil is a simple and delicious way to prepare this tasty seafood. Cooking cod in foil is quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it is healthy and delicious. If you are wondering how to bake cod in foil…read ahead and find out!
Can you bake cod in foil?
Yes, it is very much possible, and the most attractive benefit of baking cod in foil is that it requires minimal preparation time. The aluminum foil helps keep the cod from drying out while also locking in all its natural juices and flavors. As a result, you can enjoy tasty and succulent cod without adding additional fats or oils during cooking.
Additionally, baking cod in foil is incredibly versatile regarding seasoning options. You can easily customize your dish with herbs and spices to suit your taste buds or experiment with different marinades or sauces for added flavor.
Tips on how to bake cod in foil
Here are some essential tips to remember while baking cod in foil so that you can enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal:
- Choose the right type of cod for your recipe. Different types of cod have different textures, flavors, and cooking times. For example, Atlantic cod is firmer and has a milder flavor, while Pacific cod is flakier and more flavorful.
- Make sure your fillets are of equal weight. It is essential for even cooking.
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil that won’t tear easily during cooking and is large enough to completely wrap around the fish with some extra room for steam circulation inside the package.
- Preheat your oven before putting your foil packets in. This will help ensure even cooking throughout and avoid burning or drying out any parts of the fish during baking time.
- Always check on your packets periodically while they cook. This will help ensure they don’t overcook or become too dry while they bake.
What to serve with baked cod
There are so many side dishes that go well with cod. Here are a few dishes you can try:
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables are always a great choice as they provide additional nutrients without overpowering the delicate flavor of the cod.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a perfect way to complement baked cod.
- Sauces & Condiments: Adding sauces or condiments to your baked cod in foil can add an extra layer of flavor to your meal. A simple lemon butter sauce is a classic accompaniment for this dish and can be easily prepared by combining melted butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Other tasty sauces include pesto, tartar sauce, or salsa verde for a more Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh Herbs & Spices: Including fresh herbs and spices when preparing your baked cod in foil can elevate its flavor profile. Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro all work well with this dish, adding bright notes that pair nicely with fish flavors. Additionally, garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder provide subtle spiciness, making your meal even more enjoyable!
- Pasta: Macaroni & cheese can also be served alongside baked cod if you’re looking for something more filling than just roasted vegetables or salads alone.
How do you store baked cod?
To ensure that your baked cod remains flavorful and juicy, it is essential to store it properly.
- It is best to use an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid to store the cod.
- Let it cool down thoroughly before transferring your cod into its storage container.
- As soon as possible after cooling down your cod, put it into its airtight storage container and place it immediately into the refrigerator if not consumed within 2 hours of cooking time. It will stay good for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- If you plan on keeping your cod longer than two days before eating it again, freeze it instead! To freeze your cod properly, wrap each piece securely in aluminum foil before placing them into an airtight freezer bag or another suitable freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid and label accordingly with contents & date frozen.
- When reheating previously frozen cod baked in foil, remove from freezer & thaw entirely before heating up either by microwaving or baking until hot throughout (165°F internal temperature) before serving again!
How to bake cod in foil
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. cod fish fillets, cut into 4 pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pinch of pepper
- ½ tsp. paprika powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ tsp. red chili flakes
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven; place the baking sheet and preheat to 400 degrees F.
- Take 18” long eight foil sheets and make four packages by placing one sheet on the other.
- Drizzle olive oil on the fish and rub to make an even coating—season with pepper and salt and transfer to the foil piece.
- Sprinkle with parsley, red chili flakes, and garlic powder, fold the foil, then seal the edges tightly.
- When packages are ready, place them on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until sizzling starts and flakes easily. Remove from oven and leave to rest for 2 minutes, then slit open the package.
- Carefully transfer the fish to the serving dish and serve with lemon slices.
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