Description
These Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a flavorful and healthy meal perfect for any night. Tender cod fillets are brushed with a zesty lemon garlic butter mixture and pan-seared to perfection, served alongside caramelized roasted Brussels sprouts and a base of fluffy quinoa or rice. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful combination of bright, savory, and buttery flavors with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod:
- 4 pieces cod fillets (skinless)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 piece lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Additional lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to roast the Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts. In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread them evenly across a baking sheet.
- Roast Brussels sprouts. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning, until they are tender and golden brown on the edges.
- Dry the cod fillets. While the sprouts roast, pat dry the cod fillets with paper towels to ensure a crisp sear when cooking.
- Make lemon garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully blended.
- Brush cod with mixture. Generously coat each cod fillet with the lemon garlic butter mixture on all sides.
- Sear the cod fillets. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook cod for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, careful not to overcook to maintain moisture.
- Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked quinoa or rice among four serving bowls. Top with the roasted Brussels sprouts, then place a seared cod fillet on each bowl.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional lemon zest over each bowl for a fresh finish before serving immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are dry before cooking to achieve a better sear and prevent sticking.
- You can substitute quinoa with brown rice or cauliflower rice for different textures and dietary preferences.
- Adjust smoked paprika quantity based on your preferred level of smokiness.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the lemon garlic butter mixture before brushing on the cod.
- If Brussels sprouts vary in size, adjust roasting time accordingly to avoid undercooked or burnt spots.
