Baked Cod with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa

Ingredients

• Cod fillet 5 oz
• Brussels sprouts 1.5 cups
• Quinoa 1/2 cup
• Olive oil 1 tbsp
• Garlic powder 1/2 tsp
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Method

1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. Place them in a bowl and toss with half the olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder to coat evenly.
   Tip: Cutting Brussels sprouts in half helps them roast evenly and get crispy edges.
2. Roast the Brussels sprouts. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.
   Tip: Stirring halfway helps them brown evenly and prevents burning.
3. Prepare the cod fillet. While the Brussels sprouts roast, pat the cod fillet dry with paper towels. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the cod. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and the remaining garlic powder.
   Tip: Patting the fish dry helps the seasoning stick and improves baking texture.
4. Bake the cod. After the Brussels sprouts have been roasting for about 10 minutes, place the cod fillet on a lightly oiled baking dish or sheet. Put it in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
   Tip: Check the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; it should flake easily but still be moist.
5. Cook the quinoa. If your quinoa is not cooked yet, rinse 1/4 cup dry quinoa under cold water. Combine it with 1/2 cup water in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
   Tip: Rinsing quinoa removes its natural bitterness for better flavor.
6. Plate and serve. Place the cooked quinoa on your plate, add the roasted Brussels sprouts on the side, and top with the baked cod fillet. Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
   Tip: Serving immediately ensures the best texture and flavor.

Pro tips

• Use a timer to keep track of cooking times for the Brussels sprouts and cod to avoid overcooking.
• If you want extra crispy Brussels sprouts, broil them for the last 2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.