Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc: A Deliciously Elegant Dish

Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc is the perfect dish for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner. Cod is a light, flaky white fish that takes on a rich and buttery flavor when paired with the tangy and aromatic orange beurre blanc sauce. This dish combines the mildness of baked cod with the luxurious, citrus-infused sauce for an elegant and memorable meal.

If you’re looking for a meal that impresses without requiring too much effort, this baked cod recipe is for you. The orange beurre blanc adds depth and a delightful citrus twist that enhances the natural flavors of the cod. Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or a dinner party, it will surely become a favorite.

For more tips on cooking fish and making sauces, you can check out these cod recipes or learn more about making perfect beurre blanc sauces from serious eats.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe – Elegant and Flavorful Seafood Dish

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc is an elegant and flavorful dish that brings together the mild, flaky cod and a rich, citrusy beurre blanc sauce. The tangy, fresh orange flavor in the sauce perfectly complements the delicate cod, making this dish ideal for a special dinner or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Baked Cod:

• 4 (6-ounce) cod filets
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste

For the Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce:

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Cod:
   Pat the cod filets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper on both sides.

3. Bake the Cod:
   Place the cod in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the filets.

4. Prepare the Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce:
   While the cod is baking, make the orange beurre blanc sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Add Liquids:
   Pour in the dry white wine and white wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half.

6. Incorporate the Orange Juice and Cream:
   Add the fresh orange juice and heavy cream to the saucepan. Stir to combine and allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Finish the Sauce:
   Reduce the heat to low. Begin adding the cold butter, one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly until the butter is fully incorporated and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with kosher salt to taste, and stir in the finely grated orange zest for added citrus flavor.

8. Serve:
   Once the cod is done baking, plate the fish filets and drizzle generously with the orange beurre blanc sauce. Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.

Notes

You can substitute the cod with other mild white fish, such as halibut or tilapia.

Be sure to use cold butter when making the beurre blanc sauce, as it helps achieve the proper emulsification for a smooth, creamy consistency.

For added texture and flavor, consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking, Sauce-making
• Cuisine: American, French-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cod filet with sauce
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe

Instructions

Prepare the Baked Cod:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the cod will cook evenly and come out tender and flaky.
2. Prepare the Cod Filets: Pat the cod filets dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for a crisp exterior. Once dry, place the filets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Season the Cod: Drizzle the olive oil over the cod filets and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Make sure each filet is evenly coated in oil and seasoning to enhance the flavor.
4. Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cod for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your filets.

Make the Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce:

1. Cook the Shallots: While the cod is baking, begin preparing the orange beurre blanc sauce. In a medium saucepan, add the chopped shallots and sauté them over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until softened. The shallots should be translucent and aromatic.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine and white wine vinegar, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until it has reduced by half. This will concentrate the flavors and remove the alcohol.
3. Add the Orange Juice and Cream: Once the wine and vinegar have reduced, stir in the orange juice and heavy cream. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir frequently to avoid curdling the cream.
4. Finish the Sauce with Butter: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the cold unsalted butter in pieces, stirring constantly until each piece is fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. This will create a smooth and creamy sauce.
5. Add Orange Zest and Season: Once all the butter has melted and the sauce is silky, stir in the orange zest for a burst of citrus fragrance. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt to your preference.

Serve the Dish:

1. Plate the Cod: Once the cod filets are baked to perfection, place each on a serving plate. Spoon the orange beurre blanc sauce generously over the fish, ensuring that each bite will have the delicious sauce.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, and serve alongside a vegetable like asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a light salad. The orange beurre blanc adds a bright and rich flavor that will elevate the simple cod into a gourmet dish.

Advanced Techniques

1. Preparing the Perfect Cod Filets

To get the most out of your cod, it’s essential to select fresh, high-quality fish. Look for fresh cod filets that are firm and have a clean, ocean-like scent. When cooking, avoid overcooking the cod, as this can cause it to dry out. To test if your fish is ready, gently flake the fish with a fork. It should easily separate and appear opaque.

2. Perfecting the Beurre Blanc Sauce

Making a beurre blanc sauce can be tricky, but with practice, it becomes easier. The key is to gradually add the butter, ensuring that each piece is fully emulsified into the sauce before adding the next. This slow process results in a velvety, smooth texture. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer it a bit longer to thicken. If it breaks or separates, you can try adding a splash of cold water to bring it back together.

3. Flavor Variations

While orange beurre blanc is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or grapefruit to create a unique variation of this recipe. You can also add a touch of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for additional depth of flavor.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

How to Store Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the cod and sauce separate when storing to maintain their texture. Reheat gently by placing the cod in a low-heat oven or using the stovetop on very low heat to avoid drying out the fish.

Freezing Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc

While baked cod can be frozen, the orange beurre blanc sauce does not freeze well due to the butter content, which may cause the sauce to separate when reheated. If you plan to freeze the fish, store it separately and reheat the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

How to Reheat the Dish

Reheat the baked cod by covering it with foil and placing it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For the sauce, gently reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Option

If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter like Earth Balance or another dairy-free alternative. Use coconut cream in place of the heavy cream to add a slight tropical flavor that complements the orange.

Gluten-Free Version

This recipe is already gluten-free, as there are no gluten-containing ingredients. However, be sure to check the labels on the white wine and white wine vinegar to ensure they are gluten-free, as some wines may contain trace amounts of gluten.

Low-Fat Variation

To reduce the fat content, you can substitute the butter in the sauce with a combination of olive oil and vegetable broth. Use light cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use other types of fish?

While cod is ideal for this dish, you can substitute it with other firm white fish such as halibut, tilapia, or sole. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

Can I prepare the orange beurre blanc sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat when you’re ready to serve.

Can I make this dish without wine?

Yes, you can substitute the wine with vegetable broth or a combination of orange juice and a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity. The sauce will still be delicious but with a slightly different flavor profile.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc is a sophisticated and flavorful dish that combines the delicate taste of cod with the rich, citrusy notes of the beurre blanc sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special celebration, this dish is sure to impress. With easy-to-follow instructions and the ability to customize the sauce to your preferences, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Enjoy this delightful combination of flavors and elevate your cooking repertoire with this elegant recipe.