If you are looking to brighten up your dinner table with a dish that combines delicate flavors and vibrant, silky sauce, this Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe is an absolute must-try. The tender, flaky cod fillets baked to perfection and topped with a luscious orange beurre blanc sauce create an elegant yet comforting meal that tastes far more complex than the simple ingredients would suggest. It’s the ideal dish to serve when you want to impress friends or treat yourself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in layering textures and flavors — from the freshness of the orange zest to the richness of the butter-infused sauce, every element enhances the dish thoughtfully.
- Cod fillets (4 x 6 oz): Choose fresh or thawed wild cod for a flaky, mild-tasting base.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the fish.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for searing the cod and adding a subtle fruity note.
- Orange (zested and juiced): Provides bright citrus aroma and a hint of natural sweetness to the beurre blanc.
- Dry white wine (1 cup): Adds depth and acidity, perfect for balancing the buttery sauce.
- White wine vinegar (2 tbsp): Offers a gentle tang to lift the sauce’s flavor.
- Shallot, finely chopped (1): Contributes mild oniony sweetness that complements the orange perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the sauce without overpowering the fish.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cubed and chilled): The star of the beurre blanc, adding richness and a glossy finish.
- Fresh parsley or chives: For a fresh herbal garnish that adds color and a subtle grassy note.
How to Make Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cod will bake evenly and develops a delicate texture without drying out. While the oven warms up, pat your cod fillets dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. This dry surface helps achieve a beautiful sear that locks in moisture.
Step 2: Sear the Cod
Heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, gently lay in the cod fillets. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until they turn lightly golden. This short sear adds a delightful crust that contrasts beautifully with the buttery sauce to come.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared fillets to a baking dish and place them in your preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. This step ensures the inside is tender and juicy, the hallmark of perfectly cooked cod.
Step 4: Making the Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce
Next, use the same skillet to capture all those browned bits and flavor from searing the fish. Add the orange juice, orange zest, dry white wine, white wine vinegar, and finely chopped shallots. Allow this mixture to simmer and reduce by half. This reduction intensifies the citrus and wine flavors, forming a vibrant sauce base.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Lower the heat, add the heavy cream, and let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken slightly. Then, whisk in the chilled butter cubes gradually. This slow emulsification is the secret to a smooth, shiny, and velvety beurre blanc sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve up Your Masterpiece
Place the baked cod fillets on warmed plates and generously drizzle them with the luscious orange beurre blanc sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add that final pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley or chives are the perfect garnishes for this dish, lending a subtle earthiness and vibrant green color that makes the plate sing. You can even add a few thin orange slices to echo the citrus theme visually.
Side Dishes
Keep side dishes simple and complementary. Steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad work wonderfully. They soak up the beurre blanc sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, serve the cod fillets atop a bed of sautéed spinach or a delicate vegetable purée. Use a spoon or small ladle to artistically drizzle the sauce over and around the fish, creating an inviting and elegant look that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked cod and orange beurre blanc in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain its silky texture and avoid the fish becoming soggy.
Freezing
While baked fish is best enjoyed fresh, the cod fillets without sauce can be frozen for up to one month. Freeze individually wrapped portions to prevent freezer burn, then thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the cod gently in a low oven around 275°F (135°C) to maintain moisture. For the beurre blanc sauce, reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat while whisking to restore its creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating as it can cause separation.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod’s firm texture works wonderfully, you can substitute halibut, haddock, or even sea bass. Just adjust the baking time because different fish fillets cook at different rates.
What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, try substituting the white wine with a mix of vegetable broth and a splash of white grape juice or lemon juice for acidity. This maintains balance without compromising flavor.
Is the orange zest necessary?
The zest adds a bright citrus aroma and flavor that complements the fish and sauce beautifully. Leaving it out won’t ruin the dish, but it does enhance the overall experience and complexity.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the beurre blanc in advance, but it’s best served freshly whisked to maintain its glossy texture. If making ahead, reheat gently and whisk before serving to bring it back together.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist on the inside. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep a close eye during the final minutes of baking.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special every time you make it. It’s elegant, approachable, and full of vibrant flavors that will have you coming back again and again. Whether for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe promises a delicious experience that’s as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Baked Cod with Orange Beurre Blanc Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
A delightful baked cod recipe featuring tender cod fillets seared to a golden perfection and finished in the oven. Served with a luscious orange beurre blanc sauce, this dish balances the mild flavor of the fish with a creamy, tangy citrus sauce, garnished delicately with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for baking the cod fillets.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides for flavor.
- Sear the Cod: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the cod fillets and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust.
- Bake the Cod: Transfer the seared cod fillets to a baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Prepare the Orange Beurre Blanc Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, combine the orange juice and zest, dry white wine, white wine vinegar, and finely chopped shallots.
- Reduce the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until reduced by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream to the reduced liquid and simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, blending the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce with Butter: Gradually whisk the chilled cubes of unsalted butter into the sauce, a few pieces at a time, until it becomes smooth, glossy, and emulsified.
- Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Serve the Dish: Plate the baked cod fillets and generously drizzle the warm orange beurre blanc sauce over them.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the dish for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- Ensure the butter used for the sauce is cold to properly emulsify the beurre blanc and create a smooth texture.
- Do not overcook the cod; baking it until it flakes easily ensures it remains moist and tender.
- Use a dry white wine in the sauce for the best flavor; avoid sweet wines as they will alter the sauce’s balance.
- The orange zest and juice can be adjusted to taste for more or less citrus punch.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light rice pilaf.
