Elevate your dinner with this Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc recipe. Flaky, tender cod pairs with a rich, citrus-infused beurre blanc sauce for an elegant yet simple meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of tender baked cod and citrusy beurre blanc feels both indulgent and light.
It’s a quick and elegant meal, ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for entertaining or a cozy dinner.
The orange beurre blanc adds a sophisticated touch with minimal effort.
Simple ingredients make this dish approachable yet impressive.
Versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 orange (zested and juiced)
1 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Directions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Cod:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the cod fillets for 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
Transfer the fillets to a baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Orange Beurre Blanc:
In the same skillet, combine orange juice, orange zest, white wine, vinegar, and shallots.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce by half.
Finish the Sauce:
Add the heavy cream to the reduced mixture and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the chilled butter, one cube at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Plate the baked cod and drizzle the orange beurre blanc over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Protein Alternatives: Swap cod for halibut, haddock, or even salmon for a slightly different flavor profile.
Citrus Twists: Use lemon or grapefruit instead of orange for a unique spin on the beurre blanc sauce.
Herb Additions: Incorporate tarragon or dill into the sauce for extra complexity.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers:
Place the cod and sauce in separate airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat:
Gently warm the cod in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Reheat the sauce over low heat, whisking continuously to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid boiling, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
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FAQs
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the fillets in the refrigerator and pat them dry before cooking.
What type of white wine should I use?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines as they can overpower the sauce.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare the reduction ahead of time and finish with cream and butter just before serving.
What side dishes pair well with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, wild rice, or a simple mixed green salad.
Conclusion
Baked cod with orange beurre blanc is an effortlessly elegant dish that combines the simplicity of flaky baked fish with the luxuriousness of a buttery, citrus-infused sauce. It’s a versatile recipe that can elevate any meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. Try it for a special dinner, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this delightful recipe time and time again.
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Flaky baked cod paired with a velvety orange beurre blanc sauce creates an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The citrusy brightness of the sauce beautifully complements the tender, mild cod for a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 orange (zested and juiced)
1 cup dry white wine
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat cod fillets dry, season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Cod:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear cod fillets for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Transfer fillets to a baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the Orange Beurre Blanc:
- In the same skillet, combine orange juice, orange zest, white wine, vinegar, and shallots.
- Simmer and reduce by half.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Add heavy cream to the reduced mixture; simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chilled butter cubes until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Plate baked cod and drizzle with orange beurre blanc.
- Garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes
Storage: Store cod and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat cod in the oven at 300°F (150°C) and the sauce on low heat, whisking to prevent separation.
Substitutions: Use lemon or grapefruit for a citrus twist; swap cod with halibut or salmon for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 375 kcal
