A chef has shared a clever way to add extra flavour to your oven-baked cod with a simple ingredient that you might not think to add to the fish but is ‘prized by chefs’
Fish makes a fantastic weeknight dinner option, thanks to its speedy cooking time and minimal prep work. Plus, it’s a nutritional powerhouse – packed with protein, low in fat, and rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.
This oven-baked cod recipe is a cinch to prepare and works beautifully with salmon or other fish varieties. Simply season the fish with salt and pepper, add the magic ingredient, and top with onion and lemon before baking.
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The culinary experts at On The Go Bites swear by anchovies as the secret to elevating cod to the next level, reports the Express. They rave: “These little guys add flavour to so many things, not just Caesar salad. Contrary to many beliefs, they are not fishy at all. Anchovies add a briny umami flavour.
“Prized by chefs and home cooks alike, anchovies are often sneaked into sauces and dressings and lend a bright detail to almost any dish, including our oven-baked cod recipe.
“I’ll bet you have enjoyed more meals than you’ve realised that were flavoured by anchovies.”
Ingredients (serves four)
- Here’s what you’ll need for four servings:
- 680g of cod
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- One onion
- One lemon
- Two tablespoons of parsley
- One-quarter cup of unsalted butter, softened
- Two anchovy fillets in oil
Method
To get started, preheat your oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas Mark 4 and line a tray with baking paper. Pat the fish dry with a paper towel, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Firstly, chop up the onion and lemon. Make a small incision in the lemon slices so you can twist them over the fish, and finely chop the parsley.
Next, pop the cod in the oven for around 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns opaque and flakes with ease.
While your fish is cooking away, you can whip up the anchovy butter to drizzle on top. To do this, mince the anchovies or grind them into a paste using a mortar and pestle.
Finally, take the fish out of the oven and slather the anchovy butter all over it.