Citrus Cod

You can prepare this tasty orange cod recipe in under 30 minutes and it’s as easy as it is quick. Fresh orange juice, zest, and an aromatic butter sauce showcase the cod’s natural flavor and texture. Enjoy it as a light lunch with some fresh spinach, spring vegetables, or a salad.

This is a popular recipe in Spain, specifically Seville, where fresh cod and citrus fruits are readily available. Frozen cod will still work if that’s what you have or you can try similar white fish varieties that have that same sweet, flaky character. It’s a healthy lunch or dinner packed with protein no matter what you choose.

Ingredients for Orange Cod

• Cod fillets: These meaty but delicate white fish fillets are sweet and flaky once cooked.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted butter establishes the base for this orange sauce.
• Onion: Chop up an onion for its aroma and sweetness.
• Garlic: You only need to mince a clove or two for that delicate but lingering fragrance.
• Orange: Grate the zest and squeeze the juice from one large orange. The zest provides the citrusy essential oils and the juice makes the sauce.
• Lemon juice: This gives the sauce an extra citrus boost.
• Pepper: A gentle spice that brings out the other flavors and adds a little heat.
• Fresh parsley: Mince a little parsley for garnish.

Directions

Step 1: Arrange the cod fillets

Preheat the oven to 375°F and place the fillets in a baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Editor’s Tip: Pat the cod dry so that they absorb the flavor, especially if using thawed fillets. Leave the skin on if still present as it locks in moisture.

Step 2: Make the orange sauce

In a skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat and saute the chopped onion and minced garlic until tender. Spoon the melted butter over the cod fillets. Mix the orange zest and citrus juices and drizzle over the fish.

Step 3: Bake the cod fillets

Bake the fish uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cod just begins to flake easily with a fork. Sprinkle with pepper and parsley and serve.

Recipe Variations

• Bread the cod: Make a simple breaded coating with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs if you like your cod with a crunchy crust. You can even add some crushed pistachios or almonds for extra texture.
• Add an Asian twist: Orange juice is often used with ginger, soy sauce, and garlic in some Asian-inspired recipes. Try red chili flakes too if you like some extra heat.
• Use white wine: That velvety butter sauce and the citrus notes cry out for a dash of white wine to round out a spectacular sauce.

How to Store Orange Cod

Place the fillets in an airtight container to seal in the odor and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or steam over simmering water but always avoid reheating fish in the microwave as the aromas carry.

Can you freeze orange cod?

Allow the fillets to cool and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze cod for up to two to three months but it does tend to lose its flavor and the texture won’t be as flaky.

Orange Cod Tips

What can you serve with orange cod?

Take inspiration from the classic cod Florentine recipe and serve the fillets with steamed spinach. Alternatively, light sides such as asparagus, white beans, or new potatoes all go well.

Are there any alternatives to cod?

Any of the juicy white fish varieties that are usually good for frying should also work here. If you can’t get cod, try tilapia, haddock, halibut, or even catfish.

Do I have to bake orange cod?

You’ll get the flakiest, most tender cod fillets by steaming them. Add the butter and orange sauces after removing the cod from the heat if you’re taking that route.