When it comes to healthy and delicious seafood, few dishes can match the simplicity and elegance of Zesty Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod. This dish is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors, combining flaky, tender cod with the brightness of fresh lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of butter.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this baked cod recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition. It’s light yet satisfying, easy to prepare, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Why This Baked Cod Recipe Stands Out
With so many ways to prepare seafood, what makes this Zesty Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod special? Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this dish:
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe uses pantry staples like garlic, butter, and lemon to enhance the natural taste of cod without overpowering it.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Cod is low in calories, high in protein, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making this a guilt-free meal.
- Versatile Pairings: This dish works well with a wide range of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or mashed potatoes.
- No-Fail Cooking Method: Baking ensures even cooking and prevents the cod from becoming dry or overcooked.
Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned home chef, this dish is foolproof and delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, paprika, dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended and forms a fragrant herb butter.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Lightly grease a baking dish with a small amount of the herb butter to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
- Season the Cod Fillets:
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the herb butter over each fillet, spreading it evenly to coat the surface. Arrange the lemon slices around and slightly under the edges of the fillets for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake:
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Serve:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the baked cod warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. Pair with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 220
- Protein: 32g
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Vitamin C: 15% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Baked Cod
This Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod is light and flavorful, making it easy to pair with different sides for a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic serving ideas:
1. Roasted Vegetables
A mix of roasted asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts adds color and texture to your plate while keeping the meal healthy.
2. Garlic Butter Rice or Quinoa
For a hearty base, serve the cod over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or protein-packed quinoa. The grains soak up the flavorful lemon-garlic sauce beautifully.
3. Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash
If you love creamy sides, mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash provide a smooth, comforting contrast to the flaky cod.
4. Fresh Green Salad
A light arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the bright citrus notes of the dish without overpowering it.
5. Crusty Bread
For those who love dipping, serve the cod with a slice of warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of the buttery lemon-garlic sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod
1. Choose Fresh or High-Quality Frozen Cod
Fresh cod is ideal for this recipe, but if using frozen fillets, thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking to ensure even cooking.
2. Don’t Overcook the Fish
Cod is a delicate fish, and overcooking can make it dry. Bake just until the fish flakes easily with a fork (about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness).
3. Use Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest
Bottled lemon juice won’t give the same bright, citrusy flavor as freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. The zest contains natural oils that enhance the taste.
4. Butter + Olive Oil = Perfect Balance
Using a combination of butter and olive oil gives the cod richness without making it greasy while also helping to crisp up the edges slightly.
5. Let the Cod Rest Before Serving
After baking, let the cod sit for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Fish?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal because of its mild, flaky texture, you can also use halibut, haddock, tilapia, or sea bass. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.
2. How Do I Know When Cod Is Fully Cooked?
Cod is ready when:
- It reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- It flakes easily with a fork.
- It turns opaque and no longer looks translucent in the center.
3. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Swap out the butter for extra virgin olive oil or use a plant-based butter alternative for a completely dairy-free version.
4. Can I Add More Spices or Herbs?
Definitely! While this recipe focuses on the classic lemon-garlic-parsley combination, you can enhance it with paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, or even a hint of smoked cumin for an extra layer of flavor.
5. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a low-temperature oven (300°F/150°C) for about 10 minutes or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
6. Can I Meal Prep This Dish?
Yes! You can:
- Marinate the fish in the lemon-garlic mixture up to 8 hours in advance.
- Prep the herb butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.
- Bake the cod fresh for the best texture.
7. Is This Recipe Keto-Friendly?
Yes! Since this dish is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, it’s a great choice for a keto or low-carb diet. Just pair it with a keto-friendly side like steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dish for Seafood Lovers
This Zesty Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of flaky, delicate cod with the richness of butter, the warmth of garlic, and the brightness of fresh lemon makes this dish truly irresistible.
Best of all, it’s quick, healthy, and endlessly versatile—perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or trying cod for the first time, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
Try it tonight and experience how a few fresh ingredients can transform a meal into something unforgettable!
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Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic – Ready in 20 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Zesty Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod is a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, flaky cod fillets infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs, this dish brings bright and refreshing flavors to your dinner table. The buttery lemon-garlic sauce enhances the delicate fish without overpowering it, making it a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, paprika, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Season the Cod:
- Lightly grease a baking dish and place the cod fillets in a single layer.
- Spread the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Arrange the lemon slices around and under the cod fillets for added citrus flavor.
Bake the Cod:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve & Garnish:
- Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with extra fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Choosing the Best Cod: Fresh cod works best, but if using frozen fillets, thaw them completely and pat dry before baking.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod is delicate and should be baked just until it flakes easily with a fork to prevent dryness.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a low-temperature oven or skillet.
- Customize the Flavor: Add red pepper flakes for heat, or swap parsley for fresh basil or cilantro for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
