Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re craving a light yet satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, look no further than these Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts! This dish is everything you want in a meal: vibrant, fresh, and easy to prepare. The buttery cod is so tender and flaky, while the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness. Add a drizzle of lemon garlic butter over the top, and you have a dish that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Simple Yet Flavorful

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. A handful of fresh ingredients come together to create a meal bursting with flavor. The lemon garlic butter ties everything together, elevating the cod and Brussels sprouts without overwhelming them.

Light and Healthy

This meal is light, fresh, and packed with nutrients. Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, while Brussels sprouts provide fiber and a dose of vitamins. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is actually good for you.

Perfectly Balanced

The flaky cod, the crisp Brussels sprouts, and the rich lemon garlic butter create the perfect balance of textures and flavors. You’ll get a little crunch, a little melt-in-your-mouth goodness, and that zesty, buttery kick that makes everything pop.

Quick and Easy

You don’t need to be a master chef to make this dish. It’s quick, easy, and the oven does most of the work. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready to enjoy.

Customizable

Want to make it your own? You can tweak the flavors to suit your preferences. Add a sprinkle of parmesan over the Brussels sprouts, throw in some roasted potatoes, or serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

This recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a meal that’s full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

Cod

The cod is the star of the show! Light and flaky, it absorbs the lemon garlic butter beautifully, creating a rich, tender bite.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are roasted to crispy perfection. Their earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the lemony butter and gives you that satisfying crunch.

Lemon

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, perfectly balancing the richness of the butter and complementing the cod.

Garlic

Garlic is essential here—its savory punch brings out the best in the butter and the fish, giving the dish a deep, aromatic flavor.

Butter

The butter creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the cod and Brussels sprouts, tying the whole dish together.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps roast the Brussels sprouts to crispy perfection and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Salt and Pepper

Simple but crucial for seasoning. Salt and pepper elevate all the natural flavors of the cod and Brussels sprouts.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stems and halving them. Toss them in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Roast the Brussels sprouts for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Be sure to give them a toss halfway through to ensure even roasting.

Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and cook for another minute, letting all the flavors meld together.

Cook the Cod

Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the fish is golden and flakes easily with a fork. Drizzle the lemon garlic butter over the cod while it cooks, letting the sauce infuse the fish with flavor.

Assemble the Bowls

Once the cod is cooked and the Brussels sprouts are roasted, it’s time to assemble your bowls! Start with a base of Brussels sprouts, then top with the flaky cod. Drizzle the remaining lemon garlic butter sauce over the top for that final burst of flavor.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts hot, and enjoy every bite of this light, flavorful meal. You can serve it on its own or with a side of rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Over Rice or Quinoa

Serve the cod and Brussels sprouts over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. The grains soak up the lemon garlic butter beautifully, making every bite more satisfying.

With a Side Salad

A light green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is the perfect complement to this dish. It adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the cod and Brussels sprouts.

With Roasted Potatoes

For a more filling meal, add a side of crispy roasted potatoes. They’ll add another layer of texture and flavor, making your meal even more comforting.

As a Meal Prep Option

This dish is great for meal prep. The cod can be stored separately from the Brussels sprouts, and you can easily reheat everything in the microwave or oven. Just make sure to drizzle the lemon garlic butter over it again for maximum flavor.

Additional Tips

Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic butter sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Don’t Overcook the Cod

Cod cooks quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, and it should still be moist and tender.

Try Different Veggies

If you’re not a fan of Brussels sprouts, feel free to swap them out for other roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes.

Add a Topping

For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme over the top of your dish just before serving. A little bit of grated parmesan can also add a nice touch!

Store Leftovers

Store any leftover cod and Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The fish is best enjoyed fresh, but the Brussels sprouts will hold up well for a second day.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of fish instead of cod?

A1: Yes, you can substitute cod with other mild, flaky fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock. The cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce in advance. When ready to serve, just cook the cod and assemble the bowls.

Q3: Can I use frozen cod?

A3: Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it fully before cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add other roasted veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even broccoli. They’ll add extra flavor and texture to the bowls.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store the leftover cod and Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q6: Can I make this dish spicier?

A6: Yes, if you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic butter sauce or season the cod with a little cayenne pepper.

Q7: Can I substitute the butter with olive oil?

A7: Yes, you can substitute butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!

Q8: Can I make this dish without Brussels sprouts?

A8: Of course! You can swap out the Brussels sprouts for any other vegetable you like. Roasted carrots, asparagus, or green beans would all be great alternatives.

Q9: Can I serve this dish with a side of pasta?

A9: Yes, this dish would pair wonderfully with a light pasta, like spaghetti or angel hair. Just drizzle some of the lemon garlic butter sauce over the pasta for extra flavor.

Q10: How do I make this dish gluten-free?

A10: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free grains like rice or quinoa if you want to keep it gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls with Roasted Brussels Sprouts are the perfect combination of fresh, flavorful, and healthy. They’re simple to make, but the flavors are incredible, and they’ll leave you feeling satisfied without the heaviness. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish checks all the boxes. Enjoy!

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