Creamy Bay Leaf Cod Fillets
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Alaska with this delectable recipe for Creamy Bay Leaf Cod Fillets. This dish is a wonderful homage to the abundant fresh fish available in the region, showcasing tender, flaky cod fillets enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with aromatic bay leaves. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to substitute other fresh fish like salmon and halibut. Enhance the dish with herbs like dill, fennel, or chives for a unique twist. Serve with steamed vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cod fish fillets
6 (Rinsed and patted dry)
Onion
1/4 cup (Finely diced)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Divided)
Bay leaves
3 (Whole)
Light cream
1/2 pint (N/A)
Salt
To taste (N/A)
Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a sauté pan with a lid, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until softened, approximately 3-5 minutes, ensuring they do not brown.
2
Add the cod fillets to the pan and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they start to brown slightly. Season both sides of the fish generously with salt and pepper.
3
Pour the light cream into the pan, ensuring it covers the fish completely. Add the bay leaves and cover the pan with the lid.
4
Lower the heat and let the cod simmer gently for 5-10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.
5
Once the cod is cooked, carefully remove the fillets to a serving dish. Increase the heat to high and bring the cooking liquid to a boil. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
6
Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter until fully incorporated, then remove from heat.
7
Serve the cod fillets topped with the creamy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 6 cod fish fillets.
What other types of fish can I use as a substitute for cod?
You can easily substitute other fresh fish like salmon or halibut in this recipe.
How many cod fillets are needed for this dish?
This recipe requires 6 cod fish fillets.
How should the cod fillets be prepared before cooking?
The cod fillets should be rinsed and patted dry before you begin the cooking process.
How much onion is required for the Creamy Bay Leaf Cod Fillets?
You will need 1/4 cup of finely diced onion.
What is the total amount of butter used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3 tablespoons of butter, which is divided during the cooking process.
How many bay leaves are used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 whole bay leaves to infuse the sauce with aroma.
What type of cream is used for the velvety sauce?
This dish uses 1/2 pint of light cream to create its rich texture.
How do you sauté the onions for this recipe?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté the onions for 3-5 minutes until softened without browning.
How long should the cod fillets be seared?
Sear the cod fillets for 3-4 minutes on each side until they start to brown slightly.
When should I season the fish with salt and pepper?
Season both sides of the fish generously with salt and pepper after you begin searing them in the pan.
Should the cream cover the fish completely while cooking?
Yes, you should pour the light cream into the pan ensuring it covers the fish completely.
Do I need a lid for the pan when simmering the cod?
Yes, cover the pan with a lid while the cod simmers in the cream and bay leaves.
How long does it take to simmer the cod until it is cooked through?
The cod should simmer gently for 5-10 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork.
What is the best way to tell if the cod is finished cooking?
The fish is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What do I do with the cooking liquid once the fish is removed?
Increase the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil for a few minutes to thicken it.
How is the final tablespoon of butter incorporated?
Whisk the remaining tablespoon of butter into the thickened sauce until it is fully incorporated before removing from heat.
Which fresh herbs can I add as a garnish?
You can enhance the dish with fresh herbs like dill, fennel, or chives.
What are the recommended side dishes for this creamy cod?
Serve the cod with steamed vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and easy recipe, making it perfect for weeknights.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is associated with European cuisine and inspired by the flavors of Alaska.
Does the recipe specify a specific type of pan?
A sauté pan with a lid is recommended for this preparation.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
While fresh is recommended, you can use frozen fillets if they are completely thawed and patted dry.
Should the bay leaves be removed before serving?
The instructions mention they are whole; typically, bay leaves are removed before serving as they are for infusion only.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 7 primary ingredients: cod, onion, butter, bay leaves, light cream, salt, and pepper.
What temperature should the heat be for simmering?
Lower the heat after adding the cream to let the cod simmer gently.
How much time should I spend thickening the sauce?
Allow the liquid to boil for a few minutes while stirring frequently until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is this dish considered a seafood recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under seafood and fish tags.
Can the onion be substituted?
While the recipe calls for onion, shallots could be used for a milder flavor.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The dish features a rich, velvety cream sauce infused with the aromatic and earthy flavor of bay leaves.