Try This Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Tonight – So Tasty!

Baked cod is a delightful seafood dish that promises a light and flavorful meal for seafood enthusiasts.

Delicate white fish becomes a canvas for simple yet vibrant seasonings that enhance its natural qualities.

Home cooks appreciate this recipe for its straightforward preparation and minimal kitchen time.

The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic transforms the mild cod into a restaurant-worthy entrée that satisfies discerning palates.

Fresh ingredients and a quick cooking method ensure a tender, succulent fish that melts in your mouth.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions can both benefit from this elegant and nutritious seafood option.

Why Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Works

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delectable cod dish in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Flavor Boost: The simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs transforms plain cod into a restaurant-quality meal that impresses with minimal cooking skills required.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein and bursting with bright, fresh flavors, this recipe offers a nutritious dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to different fish types and serving styles, this recipe works for casual family dinners, elegant date nights, or quick meal prep throughout the week.

What You’ll Need For Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Cod Fillet: Fresh white fish with delicate flavor, perfect for baking and absorbing marinades, best when firm and translucent.

• Garlic: Provides robust, sharp flavor that complements seafood, fresh cloves recommended for best taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adding brightness and color to the dish, adds light, clean flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Seasoning: Versatile spice mix enhancing overall dish flavor, provides balanced seasoning.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky depth and warm color, great for enhancing fish's natural taste.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out dish's flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.

• Olive Oil: Helps create smooth marinade and prevents fish from drying, extra virgin preferred for richness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps tenderize fish, fresh lemons recommended.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and concentrated lemon flavor, use organic lemons.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds optional heat and spice to the dish, sprinkle according to personal preference.

• Halibut, Tilapia: Potential substitutes with similar texture and cooking method.

How To Cook Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

Step 1: Preheat and Position Oven

Heat oven to 400°F and place rack in top third of oven for even cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Line baking dish with fresh lemon slices to prevent sticking and infuse delicious citrus notes.

Step 3: Whip Up Flavorful Marinade

• Olive oil
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• All-purpose seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until well blended.

Step 4: Arrange Fish

Gently place cod fillet on top of lemon-lined baking dish.

Step 5: Coat with Marinade

Pour marinade over fish, using brush or spoon to ensure complete and even coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until fish easily flakes with fork.

Step 7: Create Golden Crisp

For extra texture, broil fish for final 2 minutes to achieve golden-brown top.

Step 8: Serve and Complement

Plate with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or crisp salad.

Step 9: Explore Fish Variations

Swap cod with halibut or tilapia for different flavor profiles.

Step 10: Customize Heat Level

Sprinkle red pepper flakes for added spicy kick if desired.

Useful Hints For Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Preheat Perfectly: Position your oven rack in the top third to ensure even, golden cooking without burning the delicate fish.
• Lemon-Line Brilliance: Arrange fresh lemon slices as a flavorful base that prevents sticking and adds zesty undertones to your cod.
• Marinade Magic: Whisk olive oil with herbs and spices thoroughly to create a harmonious blend that penetrates and enhances the fish's natural flavor.
• Broil for Brightness: Switch to broil in the final two minutes to create a gorgeous golden crust that adds texture and visual appeal to your dish.
• Swap with Confidence: Easily substitute cod with halibut or tilapia, adjusting cooking time slightly to match the thickness of your chosen fish fillet.

Storing Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out, preserving the fish's delicate texture.
• Avoid Microwave: Skip microwave reheating, as it can make the fish tough and rubbery, diminishing its original flavor and moisture.
• Freezing Option: Freeze plain, unseasoned cod in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, wrapping tightly to prevent freezer burn.

What To Serve With Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Elevate Crisp White Wine Companion: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the fish's richness, providing a bright, zesty counterpoint that refreshes the palate with each delicate bite.
• Craft Herbal Side Harmony: Rosemary roasted potatoes complement the lemon-garlic cod, adding earthy undertones and a satisfying crispy texture that balances the tender fish.
• Spark Citrus Salad Accent: Arugula salad with mandarin oranges and light vinaigrette introduces a peppery, tangy element that echoes the recipe's citrus notes while adding vibrant freshness.
• Boost Creamy Texture Contrast: Cauliflower puree with a touch of parmesan creates a smooth, velvety base that supports the flaky cod, delivering a luxurious mouthfeel and subtle nutty background.

Flavor Variations For Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free all-purpose seasoning and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Keto Version: Skip the marinade and use extra virgin olive oil with fresh herbs, adding a sprinkle of almond flour for extra crunch and keeping the dish low-carb.
• Spicy Cajun Remix: Swap smoked paprika for Cajun seasoning, adding cayenne pepper and green onions to create a bold, zesty southern-style cod preparation.

Quick Answers About Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• What are the key ingredients for this cod recipe?

The key ingredients are cod fillet, olive oil, lemon (juice and zest), garlic, parsley, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. This typically takes about 20 minutes at 400°F.

• Can I make this recipe if I don't have fresh parsley?

Yes, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. While fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor, dried parsley will still add herb notes to the dish.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are health-conscious?

Absolutely! Cod is a lean protein, low in calories, and rich in nutrients. The recipe uses heart-healthy olive oil and includes minimal ingredients, making it a nutritious meal option.

Flavor-Packed Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors in one simple seafood dish. Crisp herbs and zesty citrus notes elevate this elegant yet uncomplicated meal for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cod fillet (fresh or thawed from frozen)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) garlic paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) all-purpose seasoning (like Lawry’s or Goya)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) smoked paprika
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Seafood seasoning (optional)

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ lemon, juiced + zest
• Lemon slices (for baking)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously arrange lemon slices across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a fragrant and non-stick foundation for the delicate cod.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, zesty lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt.
3. Gently nestle the cod fillet atop the lemon bed, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
4. Lovingly drench the fish with the prepared marinade, using a silicone brush to distribute the aromatic mixture evenly across the surface.
5. Position the oven rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to a precise 400°F, creating the perfect cooking environment.
6. Slide the baking dish into the heated oven and allow the cod to bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for the characteristic flaky texture that signals perfect doneness.
7. For an irresistible golden crust, switch the oven to broil and let the fish develop a delicate caramelized top for a brief 2-minute finale.
8. Consider alternative fish options like halibut or tilapia for variety, maintaining the same cooking technique.
9. Elevate the dish by serving alongside steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
10. Personalize the flavor profile by sprinkling red pepper flakes for an added kick of heat, or adjust seasonings to suit your palate.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Layer lemon slices underneath the cod to create a natural, flavorful barrier that stops fish from clinging to the baking dish.
• Moisture Preservation: Brush marinade generously and avoid overcooking to maintain the cod’s delicate, tender texture and prevent dryness.
• Flavor Enhancement: Toast spices like smoked paprika briefly in a dry pan before adding to the marinade to intensify their aro

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg