Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs thick-cut cod fillets
  • 8 cups water
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp sea salt
  • 1 whole lemon, halved
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 whole lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the fish. Cut your 1.5 lbs of cod into 2 inch chunks or long strips that look like lobster tails. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Note: Surface moisture can dilute the brine at the point of contact.
  2. Build the brine. In a large stockpot, combine 8 cups water, 0.5 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp sea salt. Squeeze the lemon halves into the water and drop the rinds right in.
  3. Boil the liquid. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. You want to see large, vigorous bubbles before the fish goes in.
  4. Poach the cod. Carefully lower the fish pieces into the boiling brine. Set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch for the exterior to turn snowy white while the very center remains a bit translucent.
  5. Prep the broiler. While the fish poaches, set your oven to High Broil and move the rack to the top position.
  6. Drain and transfer. Use a slotted spoon to lift the fish out of the water. Place them on a lined baking sheet immediately.
  7. Infuse the butter. In your saucepan, melt 0.5 cup butter with the smashed garlic and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Wait for it to sizzle and foam.
  8. Glaze the fish. Brush the herb butter generously over each piece of poached cod. Don't be shy; the butter is what completes the illusion.
  9. Flash broil. Slide the tray under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch for the edges to shatter and turn golden bronze.
  10. Final touch. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with the remaining lemon wedges while the butter is still bubbling. The aroma of the smoked paprika and garlic hitting the hot fish under the broiler is something you have to experience. It smells exactly like a seaside grill. When you pull the tray out, the fish should have a slight sheen from the caramelized sugar and a velvety coating of butter. Classic Lobster Newburg A Luxurious Taste of History — Indulge in Classic Lobster Newburg A Luxurious creamy dream This gourmet lobs...Lobster Stew: The Coastal Classic for Luxurious Home Cooking — Discover the ultimate Lobster Stew Recipe for an indulgent, velvety experienc...Decadent Lobster Mornay Sauce: My Favorite Fancy Dinner Recipe — Indulge in my creamy lobster mornay sauce! Perfect over pasta or lobster tail... $img_2$