Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce is a fresh and flavorful dish featuring tender cod fillets baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy lemon-dill sauce. It’s a simple and healthy main course that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, offering a delightful balance of citrus and herb flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Extra fresh dill
Instructions
- Prepare and season the cod: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush each fillet evenly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper on both sides. Arrange the fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake the fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, ensuring it is cooked through but still tender and moist.
- Make the lemon-dill sauce: While the cod bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the lemon juice, sour cream (or Greek yogurt if preferred), chopped fresh dill, and Dijon mustard. Whisk the mixture continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and warmed through. Do not boil to prevent curdling.
- Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven and spoon the lemon-dill sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and additional dill sprigs for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For a lighter and tangier sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fluffy rice pilaf.
- Ensure the fish is not overcooked to maintain its tender texture.
- Fresh dill is preferred for the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon dried).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
