A Zesty Weeknight Wonder: 15-Minute Lemon Pepper Cod
Craving a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s ready in a flash? Look no further! This Instant Pot Lemon Pepper Wild Alaskan Cod is a game-changer for busy weeknights. We’re talking tender, flaky fish infused with bright lemon and zesty pepper, steamed to perfection in just minutes. It’s a light, elegant meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’ll be our little secret that it only took 15 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe rotation!
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 15 MIN| Serves: 4)
• 4 Wild Alaskan Cod fillets (4 oz / 113g each), fresh or thawed
• ½ tsp (2g) Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp (3g) Lemon Pepper seasoning
• 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp (28g) Butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (355ml) Water
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Prepare the Pot: Pour the water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot and place the steamer basket or trivet inside.2. Create Foil Packets: Lay out four pieces of aluminum foil. Cut the cod into four equal portions and place one portion in the center of each piece of foil.3. Season the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder and lemon pepper seasoning.4. Add Flavor: Top each seasoned fillet with a few slices of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.5. Seal and Steam: Fold the foil over the fish to create sealed packets. Carefully place the packets into the steamer basket.6. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid, set the steam valve to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.7. Release and Finish: Once the timer finishes, perform a quick release of the pressure. Carefully open the lid and remove the foil packets.8. Serve: Open the packets, drizzle the fish with melted butter, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 200 | Total Fats 5g | Net Carbs 1g | Protein 21g | Fiber 0g*Note: Nutrition is an estimate and may vary based on exact used.
Pro Tips
• for Perfect Cod
• Pat the fish dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps the seasonings adhere better and prevents the fish from becoming watery.
• The cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Check one packet right away to avoid overcooking.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add a sprig of fresh dill or a few capers to each foil packet before sealing.
• Serve this lemon pepper cod over a bed of quinoa, with steamed asparagus, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete, healthy meal.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen cod for this recipe
A: For the best results, it is recommended to use fresh or fully thawed cod fillets. Cooking from frozen can affect the texture and may require a longer cooking time, leading to uneven results. Thaw frozen cod in the refrigerator overnight before preparing.
Q: What can I serve with this lemon pepper cod
A: This versatile cod pairs well with many sides. For a complete, healthy meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa, with steamed asparagus, or alongside a fresh green salad. Roasted baby potatoes or rice pilaf are also excellent options.
Q: How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked
A: The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). It’s best to check one packet as soon as the pressure is released to avoid overcooking, which can make the fish dry.
Q: Is there a substitute for the foil packets
A: The foil packets are key to steaming the fish and locking in moisture and flavor. While you could place the fish directly on a steamer basket, the foil packet method prevents the seasonings from washing off and ensures the cod remains tender and infused with the lemon and pepper.
