Crispy Topped Cod Fillets with Garlic and Prosciutto
This elegant dish features tender cod fillets topped with a savory mixture of prosciutto, fresh herbs, and garlic, all baked to perfection. The prosciutto adds a delightful crunch while infusing the fish with rich flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe highlights the coastal culinary traditions of New England, exemplifying the region's love affair with cod. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a side of seasonal vegetables for a complete dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prosciutto
2 ounces (diced)
Flat leaf parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
Fresh basil
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Lemon zest
2 teaspoons (grated)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (fresh ground)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (divided)
Cod fish fillets
4 (6 ounces each) (thawed if frozen)
Salt
to taste
White wine
3/4 cup (dry)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine diced prosciutto, minced flat-leaf parsley, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, grated lemon zest, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly. This topping can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to two hours.
2
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Make sure it reaches the desired temperature for optimal cooking.
3
Lightly brush the bottom of a shallow baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4
Season the cod fillets with salt and fresh ground black pepper on both sides, then place them in the prepared baking dish.
5
Evenly sprinkle the prosciutto topping over each fillet, gently pressing down to adhere it to the fish.
6
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the topped fish and pour the dry white wine around the fillets in the baking dish.
7
Roast in the preheated oven until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, approximately 5 minutes for every 1/2 inch of fish thickness. The topping should appear crispy and golden.
8
Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve immediately, spooning the pan juices over the fillets for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Crispy Topped Cod Fillets with Garlic and Prosciutto?
This recipe features tender cod fillets topped with a savory mixture of diced prosciutto, flat-leaf parsley, fresh basil, garlic, and lemon zest, then baked at a high temperature with dry white wine.
What are the main ingredients for the topping?
The topping consists of 2 ounces of diced prosciutto, 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper.
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
Cod fish fillets are used for this recipe, specifically four 6-ounce fillets.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 500 degrees Fahrenheit or 260 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to cook the cod?
Roast the cod for approximately 5 minutes for every 1/2 inch of fish thickness until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I prepare the prosciutto topping in advance?
Yes, the prosciutto and herb topping can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to two hours before cooking.
What kind of wine is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dry white wine poured around the fillets in the baking dish.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the pan?
Lightly brush the bottom of a shallow baking dish with one tablespoon of olive oil before placing the fillets in the dish.
Should I use fresh or frozen cod?
You can use either, but if you use frozen cod, ensure it is completely thawed before starting the recipe.
What is the culinary origin of this dish?
This dish highlights the coastal culinary traditions of New England, emphasizing the region's historical connection to cod.
What texture should the topping have once cooked?
The prosciutto topping should appear crispy and golden once the dish is finished roasting.
How much olive oil is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between greasing the dish and drizzling over the fish.
How do I season the cod fillets?
Season the cod fillets with salt and fresh ground black pepper on both sides before adding the topping.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this is a healthy seafood dish featuring lean protein and fresh herbs.
What should I serve with this cod dish?
It is recommended to pair the fish with a crisp white wine and a side of seasonal vegetables.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the dish is roasted uncovered at a high temperature to ensure the topping becomes crispy.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed for 4 servings, using four 6-ounce fillets.
What type of parsley should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for minced flat-leaf parsley.
Can I use a different type of fish?
While cod is traditional for this New England style dish, other white flaky fish like haddock could be used as a substitute.
Should I add the wine directly onto the fish?
No, the dry white wine should be poured around the fillets in the baking dish, not directly over the topping.
How do I ensure the topping stays on the fish?
Gently press down on the prosciutto mixture after sprinkling it over each fillet to help it adhere to the fish.
What should I do with the pan juices?
Once cooked, spoon the pan juices over the fillets before serving for added flavor.
Does the recipe require lemon juice?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of grated lemon zest rather than the juice for a concentrated citrus aroma in the topping.
Is the prosciutto cooked before going into the oven?
No, the prosciutto is diced raw and cooks during the roasting process to become crispy.
Can I skip the garlic?
While garlic provides a key flavor profile, you can omit it if you have a dietary restriction or preference.
How much basil is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
Is this dish suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an elegant and gourmet meal that is impressive for guests while being quick to prepare.
What is the purpose of the black pepper in the topping?
Black pepper is mixed with the herbs and prosciutto to provide a subtle heat and balance the richness of the meat.
Should the fillets be a specific thickness?
The recipe doesn't specify a thickness but provides a cooking time guideline of 5 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is savory and herbal with salty notes from the prosciutto and a bright citrus finish from the lemon zest.