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
Scale
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