Ingredients:

  • 4 (6-oz) cod fillets, 1-inch thick
  • 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp raw honey
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp melted grass-fed butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for setting the glaze quickly. Pat your 4 (6 oz) cod fillets with paper towels until they are completely dry to the touch. Note: Excess moisture causes the fish to steam, making it mushy.
  2. Season both sides of the fillets with 0.5 tsp fine sea salt and 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper. Arrange them in your baking dish, leaving at least an inch of space between each piece.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp raw honey, 1.5 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 0.5 tsp smoked paprika. Whisk vigorously until the honey and butter are fully incorporated into a thick liquid.
  4. Using a spoon or pastry brush, coat the top and sides of each cod fillet generously with the honey lemon mixture. Ensure the garlic bits are spread out evenly across the top of the fish.
  5. Slide the dish into the center rack of the oven. Bake for 10 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Note: The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
  6. Halfway through (at the 5 minute mark), quickly spoon some of the juices from the bottom of the pan back over the top of the fish. This reinforces the glaze and prevents the top from drying out.
  7. If you want a deeper color, turn the broiler on for the final 60 seconds. Watch it like a hawk — the honey can go from golden to burnt in a heartbeat.
  8. Remove the dish from the oven and let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set into a velvety coating.