Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
If you’re searching for a weeknight meal that checks all the boxes—fresh, flavorful, and never fussy—look no further than Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic. This dish is the perfect blend of zippy citrus and aromatic garlic, enveloping delicate cod fillets in irresistible flavor, all while requiring barely more effort than simply preheating your oven. Whether you’re new to fish or a seafood aficionado, you’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, and how beautifully it brightens your table with hints of sunshine and a promise of wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic so delightful is its simplicity—the best dishes let a handful of high-quality ingredients shine. Every component in this recipe plays a key role, working together to create the vibrant taste and tender texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Cod fillets: Mild and flaky, cod is the ideal canvas for bold flavors—choose the freshest fillets you can find for best results.
- Olive oil: Adds a lush, fruity base that keeps the fish moist and helps meld the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Finely minced, it brings aromatic punch and warmth without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Lemon (zest and juice): The zest infuses the cod with bright, citrusy oils, while juice adds tang and balances the richness.
- Parsley (dried or fresh): A sprinkle of green freshness that rounds out the flavors and adds cheerful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing every bite and bringing all the flavors into focus.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Simple finishing touches that make the final dish look like it came from your favorite bistro.
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Giving your oven a head start ensures that when the cod goes in, it starts cooking evenly right away, so you get perfectly tender results every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick and to guarantee lovely, oven-crisp edges. Arrange them in a lightly greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each for even cooking.
Step 3: Make the Lemon-Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. This magical mix is where all the bright, savory flavors for your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic come to life, ready to infuse the fish.
Step 4: Coat the Cod
Spoon the lemon-garlic mixture generously over each fillet, letting it drip into every nook and cranny. For even more vibrant taste, you can marinate the fish in the mixture for about 15 minutes before moving to the oven.
Step 5: Add Lemon Slices & Bake
Top each cod fillet with a thin lemon slice for a pretty finishing touch and extra burst of citrus. Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes apart with a fork—watch closely so it stays moist and juicy.
How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Garnishes
Finish your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra lemon slices. These little touches add not just color and visual appeal, but also hints of freshness that make every bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs effortlessly with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a bright green salad. I also love serving it with garlicky couscous or herby quinoa—anything that can soak up the zesty pan juices and round out the meal with texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give your Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic a restaurant-worthy feel, try serving it on a big platter over a bed of steamed greens or asparagus spears. For an elegant touch at a dinner party, plate each fillet individually, nestling it beside vibrant sautéed vegetables and a wedge of lemon for squeezing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic should be cooled completely, then transferred to an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator. The cod will stay delicious for up to two days, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While cod can technically be frozen after baking, its delicate texture is at its prime when freshly cooked. If you do need to freeze, wrap each fillet tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat the fillets in a 300°F (150°C) oven—cover them with foil so they don’t dry out. A quick burst of heat retains their moisture and keeps that lovely lemon-garlic flavor intact. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the fish can quickly become tough.
FAQs
What other fish can I use instead of cod?
If you can’t find cod, feel free to substitute another mild white fish such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Just watch the bake time, as thinner fillets may cook even more quickly!
Can I make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic dairy-free or gluten-free?
Luckily, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as written, making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies or sensitivities.
How do I know when my cod is fully cooked?
Your cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque in the thickest part. This usually takes 12 to 15 minutes—if in doubt, a thermometer should register 145°F (63°C).
Should I leave the skin on or remove it?
Most store-bought cod fillets are skinless, but if yours has skin, feel free to leave it on as it will protect the fish from overcooking. The skin usually separates easily after baking if you prefer not to eat it.
Can I prepare Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic ahead of time?
You can mix the lemon-garlic marinade hours ahead and even let the cod marinate briefly in the fridge for deeper flavor. However, for the very best results, bake just before serving to ensure the fish stays perfectly moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
I hope you fall in love with the bright, effortless charm of Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic. Give it a try—the freshness and flavor are hard to beat, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Share it with loved ones and savor each bite of this beautiful, healthy dish!
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 recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare cod fillets. The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory herbs enhances the mild taste of the cod. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Cod Fillets:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Make the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the cod fillets: Spoon the seasoning mixture evenly over the cod fillets. Top each fillet with a thin slice of lemon.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley or lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the cod in the lemon garlic mixture for 15 minutes before baking.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
