Lemon Herb Poached Cod with Creamy Butter Sauce
Elevate your dining experience with this elegant Lemon Herb Poached Cod, featuring tender fish delicately poached in a bath of milk and aromatic herbs. Inspired by classic French cuisine, this dish showcases the freshness of the cod while a rich lemon-butter sauce adds a burst of flavor. Perfectly suited for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner, this recipe pairs wonderfully with robust vegetable sides. For an extra zing, finish the dish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and chopped capers, making every bite a refreshing delight.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
cod fish fillets
1 1/2 lbs (cut into four equal pieces)
milk
1 cup (for poaching)
water
1 1/2 cups (for poaching)
bay leaf
1 whole
fresh parsley
4 sprigs (whole for poaching)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped for sauce)
whole peppercorns
4
whole cloves
2
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (divided for sauce)
garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
shallots
3 tablespoons (minced)
lemon
1/2 (juice only)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Herb Poached Cod?
It is an elegant dish featuring tender cod fish fillets delicately poached in a mixture of milk, water, and aromatic herbs, served with a rich lemon-butter sauce.
What kind of fish is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of cod fish fillets, cut into four equal pieces.
Why is the cod poached in milk?
Poaching in milk keeps the cod tender and moist while adding a subtle richness to the fish's flavor.
What aromatics are used in the poaching liquid?
The poaching liquid is infused with a bay leaf, fresh parsley sprigs, whole peppercorns, and whole cloves.
How do I prepare the sauce for the cod?
The sauce is made by combining unsalted butter, minced garlic, minced shallots, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
What is the culinary inspiration for this dish?
This recipe is inspired by classic French cuisine, known for its delicate poaching techniques and butter-based sauces.
How much butter is needed for the sauce?
You will need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which is divided during the preparation of the sauce.
Can I add extra flavor to the finished dish?
Yes, for an extra zing, you can finish the dish with a sprinkle of lemon zest and chopped capers.
What type of sides go well with poached cod?
This dish pairs wonderfully with robust vegetable sides that complement the delicate nature of the fish.
How much garlic and shallots are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and 3 tablespoons of minced shallots.
What is the liquid ratio for poaching?
The poaching bath consists of 1 cup of milk and 1 1/2 cups of water.
Is fresh or dried parsley recommended?
Fresh parsley is recommended, using 4 sprigs for poaching and 2 tablespoons chopped for the sauce.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
The recipe specifies using the fresh juice from half a lemon.
How should the cod be prepared before cooking?
The 1 1/2 lbs of cod fillets should be cut into four equal pieces.
What purpose do the peppercorns and cloves serve?
Whole peppercorns and whole cloves are used to infuse the poaching liquid with aromatic depth without overpowering the fish.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an elegant dish perfectly suited for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, allowing you to control the saltiness of the sauce to your taste.
How do I season the fish?
Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the texture of the cod after poaching?
The cod becomes tender and delicate, showcasing its freshness through the gentle poaching process.
Can I use frozen cod?
While fresh is ideal, you can use frozen cod fillets as long as they are completely thawed and patted dry before poaching.
What is the main flavor profile of the sauce?
The sauce is a rich lemon-butter blend with savory notes of garlic and shallots.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including the fish, poaching liquids, and sauce components.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided recipe data does not currently list specific values for calories, fat, or carbohydrates.
Is there a specific way to mince the shallots?
Shallots should be minced finely to ensure they blend well into the creamy butter sauce.
What makes this dish refreshing?
The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and aromatic herbs like parsley and bay leaf makes every bite refreshing.
Can I substitute the cod with another fish?
While designed for cod, other firm white fish fillets like halibut or haddock could be used as substitutes.
What is the role of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds a subtle herbal fragrance to the poaching liquid that enhances the mild flavor of the cod.
Is this a heavy dish?
The fish itself is light and poached, though the creamy butter sauce adds a rich, indulgent element.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
The butter sauce is best made fresh and served immediately to maintain its creamy, emulsified consistency.
How is the parsley divided?
4 sprigs are used whole for the poaching liquid, while 2 tablespoons are chopped for inclusion in the sauce.