Zesty Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe for Busy Nights

Baked cod shines as a delightful seafood dish that promises incredible flavor and simplicity.

Fresh ocean catches become magical when seasoned with bright, zesty ingredients.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques highlight the delicate texture of this versatile white fish.

Elegant yet uncomplicated preparations make this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Flaky, tender cod absorbs aromatic seasonings that tantalize your taste buds with each bite.

Light and nutritious, this meal delivers impressive results without complicated cooking methods.

You will love how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Explore a culinary experience that elevates ordinary fish into an extraordinary meal.

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic: Light, Zesty, and Simple

• This recipe transforms humble cod into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort, using a vibrant herb butter that infuses incredible flavor into every bite.
• Requiring just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one-pan meal delivers maximum taste with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks craving a nutritious dinner.
• Baking ensures tender, perfectly cooked fish without the risk of overcooking, making it an excellent technique for home cooks of all skill levels who want consistent results.
• The combination of fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and garlic creates a light, aromatic profile that feels sophisticated yet incredibly approachable and family-friendly.

Ingredients List for Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

Main Ingredients:

Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish with a mild, clean flavor that absorbs herbs beautifully. Fresh or frozen cod works well, with wild-caught options offering the best taste.

Lemons: Bright citrus that adds zesty freshness and helps tenderize the fish. Look for firm, bright yellow lemons with smooth skin.

• Parsley, Thyme, Dill: Fresh herbs that provide layered, aromatic flavors to complement the cod. Prefer fresh herbs for more vibrant taste.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and mild reddish color to the dish. Choose between sweet or smoked varieties.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the fish and herbs.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create a rich, smooth base for the herb mixture. Unsalted butter allows better flavor control. Extra virgin olive oil offers a fruity undertone.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic depth to the herb butter. Fresh garlic cloves deliver the most intense flavor.

How to Bake Cod with Lemon and Garlic Flavors

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure perfect cooking conditions. Allow the oven to fully warm up before adding the fish.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Herb Butter

• Softened butter
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Finely chopped garlic
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Chopped dill
• Sea salt

Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, aromatic herb butter that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prep Baking Dish

Generously coat the bottom of a ceramic or glass baking dish with a thin layer of the prepared herb butter. This prevents the delicate fish from sticking and adds an extra layer of rich flavor.

Step 4: Arrange Cod Fillets

Carefully place the cod fillets in the buttered baking dish. Lavish each fillet with a generous spoonful of the herb butter mixture. Artfully scatter fresh lemon slices around the fish to infuse additional citrusy brightness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching carefully. The cod is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque white throughout.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the golden, fragrant cod to serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill. Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal that will transport your senses to coastal cuisine.

Tips for Flaky, Flavorful Baked Cod

• Butter Blending Brilliance: Soften butter at room temperature for easier mixing and more even distribution of herbs and spices.
• Lemon Layer Logic: Arrange lemon slices directly on the cod to infuse extra citrus flavor and keep the fish moist during baking.
• Temperature Timing Trick: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, flaky fish.
• Herb Freshness Factor: Chop herbs just before mixing to preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic oils for a more intense taste profile.
• Dish Selection Strategy: Choose a baking dish that's just large enough to hold the cod fillets without overcrowding, allowing even heat circulation.

Keep Your Baked Cod Fresh and Delicious

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed fish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Gently warm cod in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and preserve delicate texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen cod maintains quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sides That Pair Perfectly with Baked Cod

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the delicate fish and brighten the herb butter's flavors, cutting through the richness with its acidic notes.
• Serve alongside Roasted Asparagus: Prepare thin asparagus spears roasted with similar herbs and a touch of lemon, creating a harmonious side dish that echoes the cod's bright, fresh profile.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Create a light quinoa side studded with fresh parsley, dill, and a hint of lemon zest, which will mirror the herb butter's aromatic components and provide a nutritious base for the tender fish.
• Enhance with Citrus Salad: Craft a simple salad featuring mixed greens, segmented oranges, and a light citrus vinaigrette to add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, buttery cod.

Lemon Garlic Cod Variations to Spice Things Up

• Mediterranean Cod Fusion: Replace herb butter with a blend of olive oil, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired Mediterranean profile.
• Spicy Cajun Seafood Version: Mix cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and blackened seasoning into the butter mixture to create a bold, zesty Cajun-style cod with a kick of heat.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Swap herb butter for coconut milk, curry powder, ginger, and green onions to infuse the cod with tropical Southeast Asian flavors and aromatic spices.
• White Wine Herb Infusion: Deglaze the baking dish with dry white wine before adding herb butter, introducing subtle wine undertones that complement the delicate fish and herbal notes.

Baked Cod FAQ: From Prep to Plate

• How long does it take to bake cod fillets?

The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the cod completely before baking and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the fish cooks evenly and develops a nice golden color.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

No problem! You can substitute dried herbs, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is ready when it turns opaque white, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the fish tender and moist.

Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired baked cod shines with zesty lemon and roasted garlic, creating a light yet luxurious seafood experience. Crisp herbs and delicate fish promise a quick, elegant dinner that will delight both home cooks and seafood enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 8-ounce (226 grams) cod fillets

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon dill
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Liquids and Accent Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 lemon (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a precise temperature of 400°F (200°C), ensuring optimal cooking conditions for the delicate cod.
2. Craft a vibrant herb-infused butter by blending softened butter with a harmonious mix of olive oil, zesty lemon juice, aromatic minced garlic, verdant parsley, earthy thyme, smoky paprika, delicate dill, and a touch of salt.
3. Create a flavorful base in a baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the herbed butter, which will prevent the fish from sticking and impart additional depth of flavor.
4. Carefully nestle the cod fillets into the prepared dish, generously coating each piece with the herb butter and artfully surrounding them with bright lemon slices.
5. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, allowing the fish to bake for approximately 20 minutes until it becomes translucent and effortlessly flakes when tested with a fork.
6. Serve the fish immediately, presenting the golden, herb-crusted cod with an optional sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Notes

• Prep the herb butter mixture ahead of time to let flavors meld and intensify before cooking.
• Check fish doneness by gently pressing the fillet; it should flake easily and appear opaque white throughout.
• Choose fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact, avoiding dried alternatives when possible.
• Lemon slices not only add zesty brightness but also help keep the fish moist during baking.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the fish at its peak tenderness and temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg