White plate with cooked lemon pepper cod and lemon slices, steamed vegetables and spinach orzo feta pasta

Steamy Baked Lemon Pepper Cod

White plate with cooked lemon pepper cod and lemon slices, steamed vegetables and spinach orzo feta pasta

I struggle to add seafood to my regular diet. When I pick up fresh or frozen fish, this is one of my favs. Simple, even on a weeknight. While I use cod and prefer a lighter, white fish, you can make this with almost any type of fish filet.

Ingredients:

  • 1 steamer bag of california blend vegetables (about 12 ounces), divided
  • 2 cod filets, washed and patted dry (any white fish can be used)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into four to six thin slices
  • 2 lemons
  • Garlic powder (optional)
  • Fresh ground black pepper

Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh chopped parsley, dill or another favorite herb
  • A few splashes of cayenne hot sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Lay two pieces of aluminum foil onto a sheet pan.
  2. Spread the divided frozen vegetables on the two pieces of foil. Option to grind fresh pepper and sprinkle with garlic powder.
  3. Take a filet and grind pepper on both sides. Sprinkle with garlic powder. Place onto the prepared vegetables. Repeat with the other filet.
  4. Cut one lemon in half and juice over the filets, one half for each piece. If seeded lemons, use your other hand to catch any as you juice. 
  5. Take the second lemon and cut into slices, placing two to three on each filet. 
  6. Take the butter pieces and space on top of the lemon slices.
  7. Carefully close each packet by folding into a packet with the seam at the top.
  8. Place in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, checking at about 15 minutes to ensure the fish is cooking through and the vegetables are steaming. Adjust time as needed.
  9. Plate with fresh rice (white or wild is perfect) and serve.

Salt Swaps:

  • By starting with unseasoned fish filets vs. breaded or already marinated, you’re greatly reducing the amount of sodium in this healthy protein.
  • Salt water fish is naturally saltier than fresh water. If using freshwater fish, like catfish, a sprinkle of salt when seasoning with pepper will help.
  • Unsalted butter reduces sodium and gives you the greatest control.

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About Unsalty Dog

I’m Ross and I created the Unsalty Dog to inspire low salt, lower sodium foods and recipes. By stepping into the basics, and learning more about #SaltSwaps and #FlavorBuilders, I’ll share ways to eat healthier, better meals.

Below are a collection of recipes pulled together with various ways to make your favorite meal low(er) sodium.

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