Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce

Baked cod with lemon-caper sauce is a classic dish that is both simple to make and delicious to eat. The cod is baked in the oven until it is cooked through, then topped with a tangy lemon-caper sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

The origins of baked cod with lemon-caper sauce are lost to time, but it is thought to have originated in the Mediterranean region. Cod is a type of white fish that is mild in flavor and firm in texture, making it a good choice for baking. Lemon and capers are both common ingredients in Mediterranean cuisine, and they add a bright and acidic flavor to the dish. Over the centuries, baked cod with lemon-caper sauce has become a popular dish all over the world.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound cod fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through.
5. While the fish is baking, make the lemon-caper sauce.
6. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, capers, parsley, salt, and pepper.
7. Spoon the sauce over the cooked fish and serve.

Why It Works

• The combination of cod, lemon, and capers is a classic for a reason.
• The cod is mild in flavor, so it doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
• The lemon adds a bright and acidic flavor that balances out the richness of the cod.
• The capers add a salty and briny flavor that complements the lemon and cod.
• The dish is easy to make and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.