Baked cod with ginger and mint recipe

deleciousfood | September 19, 2023 | Baking | No Comments

Cod is a favorite fish in Western Europe and North America; with its mild flavor, flaky texture and low fat content, it is both versatile and nutritious, as well as being a sustainable source of protein. Although the flavor of cod itself can be mild, it goes very well with strong sauces and marinades, especially those infused with lots of herbs and aromatics.

This ginger-mint baked cod recipe, designed by Tasting Table recipe developer Jennine Rye, is a wonderful way to celebrate this much-loved fish. Full of flavor, fresh ginger adds a spicy, fiery touch, while mint adds a contrasting refreshing, herbaceous taste. Fresh cilantro and lime juice give this dish plenty of heat, and cumin and chili pepper give it an extra spicy, earthy kick. There is certainly no shortage of flavor in this dish, and although its taste may be complex, the preparation of this cod dish is indeed very simple. Overall, cod is an easy type of fish to cook, and this recipe is a simple but effective way to enhance the flavor profile.

Read more: 15 Different Ways to Cook Fish

Gather the ingredients for this baked ginger-mint cod recipe

Baked Ginger Mint Cod Ingredients – Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

To begin this Ginger Mint Baked Cod recipe, you will first need to gather the ingredients. You will need mint, coriander, fresh ginger, lime juice, ground cumin, olive oil and chili flakes. And of course you will need cod fillets. Although this ingredient may be widely available to those who live near the coast, this is not always the case for those who live further inland. If this is the case, one of the best ways to ensure that you are buying fresh fish is to buy it frozen. In fact, fish is often quickly frozen once caught, in order to keep it as fresh as possible. For this recipe, just be sure to thaw the frozen cod thoroughly before cooking.

Make the marinade

Make a ginger and mint marinade — Make a Ginger and Mint Marinade – Jennine Rye/Tasting Table

Preheat the oven to 375 F. Next, you’ll want to start by making the ginger mint marinade. To do this, simply add mint and coriander, ginger, cumin, chili flakes, salt and pepper, lime juice and olive oil to a blender. If you don’t have one on hand, you can also use a smoothie maker. Then mix the ingredients for 20-30 seconds until you have a nice green marinade. Whether you prefer the marinade to be a little thicker or a little smoother is entirely your choice.

Coat the cod

Cod marinated with mint and ginger – Jennine Rye/Tasting table

Next, place the cod fillets in a bowl or plate and pour the marinade over them, making sure to move the cod around to coat it well. Let the cod sit in the ginger and mint mixture for at least 5 minutes, so that it absorbs the delicious flavors of the marinade. However, don’t be tempted to let the fish marinate for too long. Cod is a flaky fish with delicate muscle fibers, so it won’t take long for the flavors to infuse. If left too long, the muscle fibers can begin to break down and negatively affect the texture of the fish; so try to keep an eye on the clock.

Cook the cod

place the cod fillet on a sheet by hand — Hand place the cod fillet on a sheet – Jennine Rye/Tasting table

Once the fish is marinated, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and then bake it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. A good way to check when the fish is done is to insert a skewer or cocktail stick into the fillet and feel the resistance it offers. If the skewer meets resistance, the fish needs more time. When the skewer slides easily, your fish is cooked.

Remove the cod from the oven and serve it hot with accompaniments that will complement the lightness of the dish, such as rice or potatoes, and possibly steamed vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.