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
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)
Instructions
- Meticulously arrange lemon slices across the bottom of a baking dish, creating a fragrant and non-stick foundation for the delicate cod.
- 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.
- Gently nestle the cod fillet atop the lemon bed, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.
- Lovingly drench the fish with the prepared marinade, using a silicone brush to distribute the aromatic mixture evenly across the surface.
- Position the oven rack in the top third of the oven and preheat to a precise 400°F, creating the perfect cooking environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Consider alternative fish options like halibut or tilapia for variety, maintaining the same cooking technique.
- Elevate the dish by serving alongside steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
- 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