Description
This baked lemon cod recipe is healthy, quick, and packed with lemon garlic flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or light lunch.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), fresh or thawed if frozen
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra citrus flavor)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional additions: sliced lemon rounds, capers, cherry tomatoes, or a pinch of paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help the seasonings stick and to ensure the fish bakes evenly.
Season the cod on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and lemon zest if using. Pour this mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
Top each fillet with a lemon slice or a few cherry tomatoes for added moisture and visual appeal. If you like a hint of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top.
Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Using too much lemon juice can overpower the delicate taste of the fish. Balance is key.
Forgetting to dry the fish before seasoning may cause the oil and lemon mixture to slide off.
Baking at too high a temperature for too long will lead to rubbery fish.
Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than baking.
Skipping the seasoning step means the dish may end up bland. Salt and pepper matter.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: DESSERT
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220