Cod Dinner with Cream Sauce
This Cod Dinner with Cream Sauce recipe is a twist on the classic The Chancery Pub and Restaurant Cod Dinner, where I’ve added a homemade cream sauce that takes this dish to the next level. Simple to make yet elegant enough for a dinner party or a family gathering, this meal is a perfect choice when you want something quick, flavorful, and hearty. The garlic wine butter, made in advance, infuses the cod with rich flavor, and the cream sauce brings everything together beautifully. With a side of tender, steamed vegetables and fluffy jasmine rice, this dish is a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Parsley flakes | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Salt (for vegetables) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Broccoli | 2 cups, cut into florets |
| Carrots | 2, sliced |
| Flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Cod fillets | 2 fillets (about 1 1/2 – 2 lbs) |
| Jasmine rice | 1 1/2 cups (for serving) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 858.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 50.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 31.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 134.8 mg |
| Sodium | 988.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 88.3 g |
| Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 11.3 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Jasmine Rice
- Start by preparing the jasmine rice: Combine 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice with 3 cups of water in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the rice: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat and cover. Let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Let it rest: After the cooking time is complete, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the rice stand, covered, for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s fully fluffy.
- Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside until ready to plate.
Step 2: Preparing the Side Vegetables
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the carrots and cut the broccoli into small florets. The smaller the vegetables, the quicker they will cook.
- Cook the vegetables: You have two options for cooking the vegetables:
- Microwave method: Place the chopped vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of water, then cover and microwave on high for about 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
- Steaming method: Alternatively, steam the vegetables using a steamer until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Set aside: Once cooked, set the vegetables aside. They will be served alongside the cod and rice.
Step 3: Preparing the Cod Fillets
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C), allowing it to preheat while you prepare the cod.
- Prepare the garlic wine butter: In a small bowl, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon basil, 2 teaspoons parsley flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Mix well.
- Cook the cod: Place your cod fillets on a sizzler platter or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the garlic wine butter over the fillets, ensuring they are generously coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 minutes or until the fish reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). The cod should flake easily when tested with a fork.
- Rest the fish: Let the cod rest for a couple of minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle.
Step 4: Preparing the Cream Sauce
- Melt butter for the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add flour: Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly bubbly.
- Make the sauce: Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the flour-butter mixture, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-4 minutes).
- Season the sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick as it cools, simply add a little more milk to adjust the consistency.
Step 5: Plating and Presentation
- Assemble the plate: Begin by placing a generous serving of rice at the center of each plate.
- Add the cod: Top the rice with the freshly baked cod fillets, pouring any cooking juices from the baking sheet over the fish.
- Add the vegetables: Surround the rice with the steamed vegetables, creating a vibrant, colorful plate.
- Finish with the cream sauce: Drizzle the creamy sauce over the cod and vegetables for added flavor and richness.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed right away while the fish is hot and the cream sauce is smooth.
Tips for Success
- Make ahead: You can prepare the garlic wine butter and cream sauce in advance to save time on the day of serving. Both can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Cod alternatives: If cod isn’t available, you can easily swap it for other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
- Veggie variations: Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini or green beans depending on what you have on hand or prefer.
Conclusion
This Cod Dinner with Cream Sauce is an elegant yet easy-to-make meal that is sure to impress guests and family alike. The combination of tender cod, garlic wine butter, creamy sauce, jasmine rice, and fresh vegetables makes for a well-rounded and flavorful dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers both convenience and taste in every bite.
