If you’re craving something light, fresh, and full of flavor, this Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is the dish for you. It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious a perfect way to enjoy the delicate flavors of cod. The fish bakes up perfectly flaky, with just the right amount of zest from the lemon and a hint of garlic that elevates the entire dish. Trust me, this is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again, whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. It’s healthy, light, and totally satisfying!

Why You’ll Love Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve it with a variety of sides like roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Budget-Friendly: Cod is a reasonably priced fish, making this a great choice for an affordable yet impressive meal.

Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe comes together in no time.

Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings to your taste, adding more garlic or even some herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. The balance of bright lemon and savory garlic makes it universally loved.

Ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a lot of ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect bite. Let’s break it down:

Cod Fillets: The star of the show. Fresh, tender cod fillets bake up to a light, flaky texture.

Lemon: Adds brightness and tang. You’ll use both the juice and zest to really infuse the fish with that citrusy zing.

Garlic: Minced and sautéed to give the dish a rich, savory flavor that complements the lightness of the cod.

Olive Oil: Helps keep the fish moist and adds a nice, smooth richness.

Butter: A bit of melted butter takes the dish to the next level, giving it a luxurious, rich finish.

Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of color, it also adds a fresh, herbal flavor that ties everything together.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the cod.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the cod cooks evenly and crisps up just right.

Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them bake more evenly and get a nice texture.

Season the Fish: Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring both sides are well-coated. Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the Garlic Butter: In a small skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Once the garlic is aromatic, drizzle the butter over the seasoned cod fillets.

Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If you like a slightly crispy top, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.

Garnish and Serve: Once the cod is done, sprinkle with fresh parsley and add extra lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:

Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded, healthy meal.
Pair with a simple quinoa salad or rice pilaf to soak up any leftover garlic butter.
Top with a dollop of tartar sauce or serve with a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make sure your cod is fresh for the best texture. If using frozen cod, be sure to thaw it properly and pat it dry before cooking.
For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh thyme or dill on the fish before baking.
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
This recipe can easily be doubled for larger crowds just make sure to use a larger baking dish.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley works as a substitute, but fresh herbs really make this dish pop.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep everything (season the fish and make the garlic butter) and store it in the fridge for up to a few hours before baking.

3. How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center. If you have a thermometer, it should reach 145°F (63°C).

4. Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it properly and pat it dry before cooking to remove any excess moisture.

5. Can I add more garlic to the dish?
Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more. You can also try roasted garlic for a mellower, sweeter flavor.

6. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes! You can skip the butter and use extra olive oil for a lighter version, or substitute with coconut oil for a different flavor.

7. Can I use lemon juice from a bottle?
Fresh lemon juice is always best, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch.

8. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

9. Can I serve this with a sauce?
Yes, a simple garlic butter sauce, tartar sauce, or even a light drizzle of pesto would complement the dish beautifully.

10. Can I cook this dish on the stovetop?
While the oven method is best for even cooking, you can pan-sear the cod in a skillet and then finish it off in the oven if needed.

Conclusion

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a dish that’s simple, flavorful, and totally satisfying. With minimal ingredients and effort, you get a fresh, flaky fish with a burst of bright lemon and savory garlic. It’s a perfect recipe for busy nights when you want something light yet flavorful, or for special occasions when you want to impress. So grab your cod, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a little taste of seafood heaven.

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