Hey friends! Your favorite cool and friendly chef here, ready to serve up something light, bright, and totally satisfying: Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic. This dish is all about that elegant simplicity we love – minimal effort, maximum flavor. With the clean, buttery flavor of cod as the canvas, we layer in zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and warm herbs for a meal that feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes to whip up.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or trying to impress at your next dinner party, this one is a surefire crowd-pleaser. So let’s get cooking!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod
- 🔥 Quick and Easy: Just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven.
- 🌿 Nutritious & Light: Cod is lean, high in protein, and rich in omega-3s.
- ✨ Elegant but Simple: Pantry staples, fresh fish, and bright lemon do all the work.
- 🎨 Customizable: Adjust the flavors to your liking – go bold with paprika or fresh with dill.
🥒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- ✅ 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- ✅ 3 tbsp olive oil
- ✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ✅ 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- ✅ 1 tsp paprika
- ✅ ½ tsp dried thyme
- ✅ Salt and pepper to taste
- ✅ Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ✅ Lemon wedges (for serving)
📅 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
🌊 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the fish from sticking.
2. Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Lemon juice + zest
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt & pepper
3. Coat the Cod
Lay the cod fillets in your baking dish and drizzle the marinade all over them. Use a spoon or brush to make sure they’re coated evenly.
4. Bake
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you want a crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges. That’s it! Your dinner is ready to impress.
🔧 Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Cod for best results. Thawed frozen cod works, too – just pat it dry.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks fast! Start checking it at the 12-minute mark.
- Broil for Texture: A few minutes under the broiler = perfect golden edges.
- Balance Flavors: Add more garlic or lemon if you like bold flavors. Spice it up with cayenne!
🍽️ What to Serve with Baked Cod
Looking to make this a full-on feast? Try these pairing ideas:
- 🌿 Veggies: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or garlic broccoli.
- 🍚 Grains: Wild rice, quinoa, or lemon couscous.
- 🌾 Salads: Mediterranean chickpea salad, arugula with shaved parmesan, or cucumber-tomato feta salad.
🌟 Flavor Variations to Try
- 🌿 Herb Swap: Use dill, oregano, or rosemary instead of thyme.
- 🔥 Add Spice: Mix in cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- 🥚 Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated parmesan on top before baking.
- 🌿 Mediterranean Flair: Add kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different fish?
A: Absolutely! Try haddock, halibut, or tilapia with the same marinade.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Marinate the cod and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.
Q: How do I know when it’s done?
A: Cod is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
💼 Kitchen Hacks
- ✨ Microplane for Garlic & Lemon Zest: It’s faster and gets more flavor out.
- 🌿 Double the Marinade: Save half to drizzle over veggies or grains.
- 🍽️ Marinate in a Zip Bag: Saves dishes and evenly coats the fish.
🚤 Storage & Leftovers
- 🥜 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- 🌡️ Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave!
- 🍤 Repurpose: Flake the cod into tacos, grain bowls, or a salad the next day.
🍋 A Love Letter to Lemons
Lemon brings this dish to life! Here’s why:
- 🔍 Brightens Flavor: Cuts through the richness and enhances the fish.
- 🌻 Health Bonus: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
- 🍋 Versatile: Use juice, zest, and wedges for layers of citrusy flavor.
🎉 Perfect for Special Occasions
Elevate your baked cod for fancy dinners with these ideas:
- 🌿 Plated Style: Serve on a bed of lemon couscous with grilled veggies.
- 🎡 Family Style: Present in a rustic dish surrounded by roasted potatoes.
- 🍤 Seafood Feast: Serve alongside shrimp scampi or scallops for a surf-inspired spread.
🌍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- 🔥 Calories: 230
- 💪 Protein: 36g
- 🌿 Fat: 8g
- 📊 Carbs: 2g
- 🌾 Fiber: 0g
This recipe proves that healthy doesn’t mean boring – it means delicious, clean, and satisfying!
🔍 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Baked Salmon with Dill and Lemon
- Pan-Seared Tilapia with Mango Salsa
🙌 Final Thoughts
This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is the kind of meal that checks every box: easy, healthy, and full of fresh flavor. Whether you’re a seafood newbie or a seasoned cook, this one is guaranteed to shine on your dinner table.
Make it your own with herbs, spices, or a crispy finish. No matter how you plate it, this dish is restaurant-worthy without the stress.
Give it a try this week and let your taste buds travel to a citrus-kissed coastline — no plane ticket required. Don’t forget to tag me in your creations!
Bon appétit and happy cooking, friends! 🍤
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