Cod With Brown Butter and Pine Nuts

If you’re looking for a quick and tasty dinner, Cod with Brown Butter and Pine Nuts is perfect for you! This dish combines the flaky, mild flavor of cod with a rich, nutty sauce that’s sure to impress your family or friends. In just a short amount of time, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it’s simple but feels fancy! Cod is a healthy fish that’s easy to cook, and the brown butter and pine nuts add a lovely taste that enhances the dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday dinner or a weekend treat, this dish is quick, simple, and, best of all, packed with flavor.

How to Make Cod With Brown Butter and Pine Nuts

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless cod fillets (each about 5 ounces and 1 inch thick)
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sumac
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley leaves and tender stems

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. While the oven is heating, pat the cod dry with paper towels. Place the cod fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they have space between them. Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon salt and a good grind of black pepper over the fish. Drizzle with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Bake the fish for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the center is opaque and the fish flake easily with a fork. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
4. After the fish has been baking for 5 minutes, start making the sauce. In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 3 minutes until it starts foaming.
5. Add the pine nuts and a small pinch of salt to the melted butter, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until the pine nuts are golden and the butter brown and nutty in smell. Stir in the sumac, parsley, and remaining lemon juice (be careful, it might splatter!) and quickly take it off the heat.
6. Serve the cod on plates, pouring the brown butter and pine nut mixture on top. Enjoy right away!

How to Serve Cod With Brown Butter and Pine Nuts

This dish is best served warm. Pair it with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal. A nice glass of white wine also goes well with this elegant dish!

How to Store Cod With Brown Butter and Pine Nuts

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This meal can last for 1-2 days. Just reheat it gently in the oven or on the stove to maintain its flavor and texture.

Tips to Make Cod With Brown Butter and Pine Nuts

• Make sure not to overcook the cod; it should be tender and flaky.
• You can substitute pine nuts with other nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
• Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; try adding some dill or basil alongside parsley.

Variation

For a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brown butter sauce. It adds a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cod fillets?
   Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking.

2. What if I can’t find sumac?
   You can use lemon zest or a bit of lemon juice as a substitute, but it may change the flavor slightly.

3. Is cod healthy?
   Yes, cod is a low-fat fish that’s high in protein and a good source of vitamins and minerals!