So maybe that’s not the way to catch a fish. It’s been awhile since I was on the water, rod and reel in hand, but my roots certainly remind me of those days. As I’ve mentioned previously, my dad used to fish bass tournaments when I was a kid. We’d all pile in the big, orange conversion van (kind of like a cross between the A-Team and the Great Pumpkin), head to whichever lake in the Irish Hills of Michigan that was holding that weekend’s tournament, and proceed to camp for a few days, enjoying the sun, water, and of course–fishing.
In that part of the Midwest, the most common fish we’d come away with were bass (of course),perch, pickerel, blue gills, and sunfish. Some were worthy of keeping for a summer dinner, but many times the ones the kids caught were so small that cleaning them wasn’t worth it. My dad referred to them as “hot dogs” because they were so small. The “keepers” had delicious, white, flaky meat on them, prime for tossing on the grill or deep frying (admittedly, that was the most common method back then). Even if we came away from a day on the lake with no catch to fix for dinner, we always had a great time. As our family used to say “A bad day of fishing beats a good day of work any day”. Still holds true, don’t you think?
Since I grew up eating mild, flaky fish, and because I haven’t had a fishing rod in hand in years, I have progressed to relying on options like cod. It’s mild in flavor, generally easy to find, and super simple to prepare. This is another one of those fantastic few-ingredient recipes that I have come to rely on, and helps serve up a fabulous meal on these hot summer days.
Because when you’re looking to get back out on that lake, you don’t want to take too much time making dinner! And this Cod with Herb Pesto buys you time to do just that.
Cod with Herb Pesto
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Nostalgia runs deep when reaching for simple and delicious recipe options like this cod dish. Simple enough for a weeknight meal, but pretty enough to impress guests, this Cod with Herb Pesto will become a favorite no matter what day of the week it's served.
Nostalgia runs deep when reaching for simple and delicious recipe options like this cod dish. Simple enough for a weeknight meal, but pretty enough to impress guests, this Cod with Herb Pesto will become a favorite no matter what day of the week it's served.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pat the fish fillets dry. Place on cooking spray-coated baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is flaky.
While the fish cooks, place herbs, salt & pepper in a food processor with the blade attachment.
Add the juice of one lemon. Pulse ingredients until an herb paste forms.
With processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth sauce results.
Pesto can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Remove cod from the oven, and serve topped with herb pesto.
Recipe Notes
If you have read any of my recent posts, you know that I am mad for all things pesto. This recipe is no different. While in this case you could probably more closely equate the ingredients in the recipe with a chimichurri, I'm calling it pesto anyway. I love that you can use just about any herbs you have on hand and still come out with a delicious sauce that is not only great on fish, but on veggies, grilled meats, or even mixed with a soft cheese or sour cream to make a tasty veggie dip.
This fish looks fantastic, but I won’t lie, what I am really dying to do is click on your link for the Irish Hills of Michigan. I am dying of curiosity!
Do it! I grew up going up there during the summers, and it is just beautiful. So many lovely little lakes, and such wonderful memories everywhere. A truly great destination with family or with someone special. :o)
I’ve actually never been fishing so here fishy, fishy might be my best odds! I do love seafood though, and your preparation looks and sounds delicious! I like that you keep it simple since fish is so delicate.
Greetings! I'm Dee Dee. Nonprofit escapee, military spouse, home cook, and purveyor of tasty goodness. My Midlife Kitchen is where I cook, blog, and give my not-so-humble opinions on topics big and small. Join me for a peek inside My Midlife Kitchen!
I’ve been trying to eat more fish and I feel like cod is the perfect fish to try. Love this recipe!
We haven’t had fish in a while here but this looks delicious and perfect. The flavours are light which makes it perfect for a weeknight!
This fish looks fantastic, but I won’t lie, what I am really dying to do is click on your link for the Irish Hills of Michigan. I am dying of curiosity!
Do it! I grew up going up there during the summers, and it is just beautiful. So many lovely little lakes, and such wonderful memories everywhere. A truly great destination with family or with someone special. :o)
I’ve actually never been fishing so here fishy, fishy might be my best odds! I do love seafood though, and your preparation looks and sounds delicious! I like that you keep it simple since fish is so delicate.