If you’re craving a dish that’s both incredibly easy to pull together and bursting with bright, fresh flavors, Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is about to become your new go-to. This Mediterranean-inspired classic features tender cod fillets kissed with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy, but comes together in hardly any time at all. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need a healthy, fuss-free weeknight dinner, Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic lies in its short, simple ingredient list. Each element serves a purpose, bringing out the best in the cod and creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets for the best flaky texture and mild, sweet flavor.
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps keep the fish moist while baking.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with savory depth and warmth.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the fish and adds a refreshing tang.
- Lemon zest: The zest gives a powerful hit of citrus aroma that really wakes up your taste buds.
- Paprika: Just a touch of paprika adds color and a gentle smokiness.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the cod.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite and rounds out the seasoning.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor as a finishing touch.
- Lemon slices for garnish: Not just pretty—they add extra zing if squeezed over before eating!
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This ensures the cod won’t stick and makes serving a breeze.
Step 2: Get the Cod Ready
Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is key for helping the seasonings cling to the fish and for achieving that lovely, flakey texture. Arrange the fillets in your prepared dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple marinade is what transforms the cod into something truly special—each ingredient adds a layer of flavor that soaks into the fish as it bakes.
Step 4: Coat the Fillets Generously
Spoon the marinade evenly over the cod fillets, making sure to cover the tops well. You want every bite of your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic to be infused with those bright and savory notes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. Be careful not to overbake—cod cooks quickly and you want it moist and tender.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is out of the oven, sprinkle it with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, garnished with extra lemon slices for anyone who wants an extra squeeze of citrus.
How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and a few thin lemon slices make your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic look as vibrant as it tastes. Don’t be shy with fresh herbs—basil, chives, or dill also work beautifully if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a fluffy bed of rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a Mediterranean couscous salad. The mild, flakey cod is a wonderful canvas for all kinds of sides!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, consider plating each fillet individually with a dramatic drizzle of the pan juices and a twist of lemon zest on top. Or, serve family-style straight from the baking dish for a more rustic, homey vibe that invites everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic, simply let the fillets cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. For best results, store any garnishes separately and add them just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked cod for up to a month, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftover Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic, place the fillets in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. A splash of extra lemon juice helps refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before baking. This helps the marinade stick and prevents excess moisture.
What other fish can I use for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic?
Haddock or halibut are great alternatives if you can’t find cod. Both have a similar mild flavor and flakey texture, making them perfect for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe as written is already dairy-free since it uses olive oil. If you want a richer taste, you can swap half of the olive oil with melted butter, but that will add dairy.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking, as fish can become dry quickly—12 to 15 minutes is usually just right.
Can I add extra veggies to the baking dish?
Definitely! Thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be added around the fillets before baking. They’ll roast in the same time and soak up the delicious lemon-garlic juices.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, healthy, and guaranteed to make you smile, Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is the answer. The flavors are fresh and vibrant, the method is foolproof, and it’s bound to win over seafood lovers and skeptics alike. Give it a try and let it become a staple in your kitchen—it’s just that good!
Print
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a simple yet flavorful Mediterranean-inspired main course. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features tender cod fillets baked with a zesty lemon-garlic marinade that keeps the fish moist and aromatic. With wholesome ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a healthy gluten-free and dairy-free seafood dish that pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or salads.
Ingredients
Fish and Marinade
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a fragrant, tangy marinade.
- Coat the Fillets: Spoon the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over each cod fillet, ensuring the tops are thoroughly coated to maximize flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cod from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired, and serve while hot with lemon slices for an added burst of citrus.
Notes
- Serve this baked cod alongside steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Haddock or halibut make great substitutes for cod if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, replace half of the olive oil with melted butter before marinating the fillets.
- Ensure the fish is evenly spaced in the baking dish to allow for thorough cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 6 ounces)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
