Decadent Baked Cod Steaks with Oyster Crumb Topping
Indulge in the rich flavors of the ocean with these Decadent Baked Cod Steaks, a luscious dish that features tender cod topped with a savory oyster crumb mixture. Hailing from the picturesque coasts of Maine, this dish truly highlights the delicate sweetness of coldwater Atlantic cod, though any firm white fish will shine in this recipe. Served alongside fresh bread, tender fiddleheads, and zesty bread and butter pickles, this meal is perfect for family gatherings or a special occasion. Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste, and delight in the melt-in-your-mouth experience of this exquisite fish dish.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned oysters or fresh oysters
1 cup (drained and chopped)
cracker crumbs
1 cup (preferably seasoned)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly cracked, to taste)
minced parsley
1 tablespoon (fresh)
lemon rind
1/2 (grated)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
cod steaks
6 pieces (any firm white fish can be used)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Drain the oysters and chop them finely. Reserve the oyster liquid for later use.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped oysters, cracker crumbs, melted butter, salt, pepper, minced parsley, grated lemon rind, and lemon juice. Mix well to create a flavorful topping.
4
In a greased baking pan, arrange the cod steaks in a single layer.
5
Generously spread the oyster and cracker mixture evenly over the top of each cod steak.
6
Mix the reserved oyster liquid with enough water to total 1 cup, then pour this mixture around the fish in the baking pan.
7
Cover the dish with oiled parchment paper or a baking sheet to retain moisture while cooking.
8
Bake covered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Baked Cod Steaks with Oyster Crumb Topping?
This is a luscious seafood dish featuring tender cod steaks topped with a savory mixture of chopped oysters, cracker crumbs, butter, and herbs, baked to perfection.
What type of fish is best for this recipe?
While this recipe specifically calls for coldwater Atlantic cod steaks, any firm white fish will work well as a substitute.
Can I use fresh oysters for the crumb topping?
Yes, you can use either canned oysters or fresh oysters, as long as they are drained and finely chopped.
What should I do with the liquid from the oysters?
Do not discard the oyster liquid; reserve it and mix it with enough water to make 1 cup, then pour it around the fish in the baking pan to keep it moist.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the fish need to bake?
The fish is baked covered for 30 minutes, and then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, totaling 45 minutes of baking time.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The fish is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What ingredients are in the oyster crumb topping?
The topping consists of chopped oysters, cracker crumbs, melted butter, salt, pepper, minced fresh parsley, grated lemon rind, and lemon juice.
Why should I cover the dish with oiled parchment paper?
Covering the dish with oiled parchment paper or a baking sheet helps retain moisture during the first 30 minutes of cooking so the fish stays tender.
What sides are suggested to serve with this dish?
This meal pairs beautifully with fresh bread, tender fiddleheads, and zesty bread and butter pickles.
Where does this recipe originate from?
This dish hails from the picturesque coasts of Maine and is also associated with Canadian seafood cuisine.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
The recipe calls for fresh minced parsley for the best flavor, but you can substitute dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
How many cod steaks does this recipe require?
The recipe is designed for 6 pieces of cod steaks.
Is it necessary to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should use a greased baking pan to prevent the fish from sticking.
What kind of cracker crumbs should I use?
The recipe recommends using one cup of cracker crumbs, preferably seasoned ones for extra flavor.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter to combine with the oyster and cracker mixture.
Does the recipe include lemon?
Yes, it uses both 1/2 of a grated lemon rind and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Can I adjust the seasonings in this recipe?
Absolutely, feel free to adjust the herbs and spices, such as salt and pepper, to suit your personal taste.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its decadent nature makes it perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
What is the purpose of adding water to the oyster liquid?
The water is added to the reserved oyster liquid to reach a total volume of 1 cup, creating a poaching-like environment that keeps the fish succulent.
Should the cod be arranged in a specific way in the pan?
The cod steaks should be arranged in a single layer in the baking pan for even cooking.
What type of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper.
Can I use a baking sheet to cover the dish?
Yes, if you do not have parchment paper, a baking sheet can be used as a cover to retain moisture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used to make this decadent fish dish.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, savory flavors and hearty presentation.
What preparation is needed for the lemon rind?
The rind of half a lemon should be finely grated before being added to the crumb mixture.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to taste.
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, you can use frozen cod, but ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before beginning the recipe.
What should I do if the topping isn't browning?
The 15 minutes of uncovered baking time is intended to help the topping set; you can slightly increase the time if you prefer a crispier finish.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a straightforward process of mixing a topping, spreading it over the fish, and baking.