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 paper towels. Then place them in an ovenproof dish.
Season the fish: Drizzle the cod fillets with a drizzle of olive oil. Then spread 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 about 20 to 25 minutes. The doneness can vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so it is important to check regularly. The cod is done when the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serving: Once the cod is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it 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 back, ready to enjoy.
Although the recipe for baked cod back is simple, there are some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish is a success every time:
Not preheating 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 overloading the baking dish with too many cod fillets or vegetables. Too many ingredients can prevent even cooking and make the fish less tender.
Overcooking: Cod is a delicate fish that can become dry if overcooked. Monitor the cooking time closely and remove the fish from the oven as soon as the flesh becomes opaque and flakes easily.
Forgetting the seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial to enhancing the flavor of cod. Don’t neglect the use of salt, pepper, herbs, and lemon juice.
Not using olive oil: Olive oil plays an important role in keeping the cod moist during cooking. Be sure to baste the fish generously to prevent it from drying out.
Ignoring the resting after cooking: Letting the cod rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to distribute evenly, making the fish more flavorful.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you will maximize your chances of achieving a perfect, flavorful and tender baked cod back every time.
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