This savory Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped in Parma Ham is made with flaky cod fillets, paper-thin slices of Parma ham, and fragrant fresh basil. This recipe creates a perfectly cooked piece of fish with a crisp, salty crust that holds in the moisture and flavor. It’s the perfect elegant meal for a special occasion, an impressive yet simple dinner for four, and is best served with a light side salad or vegetables.
Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham Ingredients
- 4 skinless cod fillets
- 8 slices Parma ham
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon wedges, to serve
How To Make Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season lightly with black pepper, as the Parma ham is already quite salty.
- Wrap the cod: Lay two slices of Parma ham on a clean surface so they slightly overlap. Place one cod fillet on top of the ham. Sprinkle with some chopped fresh basil. Carefully wrap the Parma ham tightly around the cod fillet. Repeat with the remaining fillets.
- Cook the fish: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Place the wrapped cod fillets in the pan, seam-side down first. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the Parma ham is golden and crispy.
- Finish the dish: Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and opaque. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
- Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Serve the cod fillets immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Recipe Tips
- Pat the fish dry: Make sure to thoroughly pat the cod fillets dry before wrapping them. This will help the Parma ham get nice and crispy instead of steaming.
- Wrap the ham tightly: Wrapping the Parma ham tightly around the cod keeps the fillet’s shape and prevents the ham from unraveling during cooking.
- Check for doneness: To check if the cod is cooked, gently press it in the center. It should feel firm and flaky, not soft.
- A different herb: You can also use other herbs like fresh sage or thyme tucked inside the ham for a different flavor profile.
What To Serve Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham
This savory cod dish is best served with simple sides that let its flavors shine. A creamy mashed potato would be a perfect companion to the salty ham. You could also serve it with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a side of cherry tomatoes dressed with a balsamic glaze. A glass of crisp white wine would be the ideal beverage to complement this meal.
How To Store Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Cod wrapped in Parma ham is best enjoyed fresh, as the ham will lose its crispness once cooled. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Reheat gently in a pan to help crisp up the ham again.
- Freeze: This dish is not suitable for freezing. The texture of the fish and the ham will change significantly upon thawing.
Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 40g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of fish? Yes, you can use other firm white fish fillets like haddock or sea bass. Just be mindful that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillet.
- Can I make this dish without an oven? Yes, you can cook this dish entirely on the stovetop. After browning on both sides, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the fish is cooked through.
- What is the best way to get crispy ham? To get a really crispy ham, make sure the pan is hot and that you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches will ensure an even, crisp crust. Also, patting the fish dry is a very important step.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Cod And Chorizo Stew Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Beef Stifado Slow Cooker Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Smoked Haddock Chowder Recipe
Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham Recipe
Description
Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped in Parma Ham is a simple yet elegant dish that combines flaky cod with a crisp, salty crust of Parma ham. It’s an easy recipe that creates a beautiful and flavorful meal perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry and season with pepper.
- Lay two slices of Parma ham overlapping. Place a cod fillet and basil on top. Wrap the ham tightly around the fish. Repeat with remaining fillets.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan. Cook fillets seam-side down for 3-4 minutes per side, until the ham is golden.
- Transfer pan to a preheated oven (180°C/350°F) and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cod is cooked through.
- Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
