Zesty Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Ocean-fresh cod meets a zesty lemon and garlic twist in this mouthwatering easy baked cod recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes.

Delicate fish fillets absorb the bright, tangy marinade, creating a dish bursting with Mediterranean-inspired notes.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver a meal that’s both elegant and straightforward.

Tender, flaky cod emerges from the oven with a golden, crisp exterior that seals in all the aromatic goodness.

Minimal prep work means you can have a nutritious, delectable dinner on the table faster than ordering takeout.

Pair this succulent fish with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal that will impress even the pickiest seafood enthusiasts.

Dive into this foolproof recipe and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.

Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic – Light and Flavorful

• Prep Like a Pro: Chop all veggies quickly and precisely, creating a colorful medley that makes the salad visually stunning and packed with fresh ingredients.
• Customize Your Flavor: Mix and match vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or salami to transform this basic pasta salad into a personalized meal that suits every taste preference.
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• No-Fuss Crowd Pleaser: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, guaranteeing a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

• Cod Fillet: A delicate white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a tender, flaky texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the fish moist during baking.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy flavor and helps tenderize the fish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base that complements the mild cod.

• Parsley, All-Purpose Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt: Create a balanced and complex flavor profile that enhances the natural taste of the cod.

• Lemon Slices: Prevents fish from sticking to the baking dish and adds an extra layer of citrus flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Easy Lemon Garlic Cod

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank your oven to 400°F and slide the rack into the top third position. This ensures your cod gets that perfect golden touch.

Step 2: Create a Zesty Bed for the Fish

Arrange fresh lemon slices across the bottom of your baking dish. These slices will infuse incredible flavor and keep the fish from sticking.

Step 3: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• All-purpose seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Sea salt

Whisk everything together until well blended and fragrant.

Step 4: Dress the Cod

Gently place the cod fillet on top of the lemon slices.

Carefully pour the marinade over the fish, using a brush or spoon to ensure every inch gets coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes, watching for the fish to become tender and easily flake when tested with a fork.

Step 6: Optional Golden Finish

For those who love a slightly crispy top, switch your oven to broil.

Let the cod sit under the broiler for 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

The fish will be succulent, flavorful, and ready to delight your taste buds.

Helpful Tips for Baking Perfect Lemon Garlic Cod

• Lay lemon slices as a natural non-stick barrier that adds zesty flavor to the cod while protecting the baking surface.
• Avoid overcooking by checking the fish at 15 minutes and using the fork-flaking test to ensure tender, juicy results.
• Marinate the cod for 15-30 minutes before baking to allow seasonings to penetrate deeply into the fish.
• Activate the broiler for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, slightly crisp exterior without drying out the delicate fish.
• Swap olive oil with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or use gluten-free seasoning to accommodate different dietary needs.

Flavor Variations to Try With Baked Cod

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap all-purpose seasoning with Cajun spice mix, adding cayenne pepper for extra heat and a Southern-style kick.
• Gluten-Free Herb Cod: Use gluten-free seasoning blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Citrus Cod: Replace olive oil with avocado oil, add extra lemon zest, and sprinkle with almond flour for a keto-friendly version.

Pairing Ideas to Complement Lemon Garlic Cod

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the light, delicate flavors of baked cod, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty notes.
• Mediterranean Salad Side: Create a refreshing Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to balance the fish's subtle garlic and lemon marinade.
• Herbed Quinoa Accompaniment: Prepare a light quinoa side dish with fresh herbs like dill and parsley, mirroring the herb profile in the cod's marinade and adding nutritious protein.
• Roasted Asparagus Accent: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest to echo the cod's cooking method and citrus undertones, creating a harmonious plate.

Storage Recommendations for Baked Cod

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm cod on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Drizzle a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Warm cod in a preheated 275F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to lock in moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Throw away seafood leftovers if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours or if they develop an off smell or unusual texture.

FAQs

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

The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque white throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the frozen cod completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better texture and even cooking.

• What type of seasoning works best with cod?

All-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley complement cod’s mild flavor perfectly. These seasonings enhance the fish without overpowering its delicate taste.

Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Garlic Cod brings Mediterranean coastal flavors right to your dinner plate. Fresh fish infused with zesty citrus and aromatic garlic creates a light, elegant meal you can savor in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish:

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

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (like Lawry’s or Goya)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Seafood seasoning (optional)

Herbs and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 lemon, juiced + zest
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the top third position and heat to 400F, creating an optimal environment for delicate fish cooking.
2. Create a flavorful base layer in the baking dish by arranging thin lemon slices across the bottom, which prevents sticking and imparts citrus essence.
3. Craft a vibrant marinade by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt in a small mixing bowl.
4. Gently position the cod fillet atop the lemon slices, ensuring full contact with the citrus layer.
5. Generously brush or drizzle the prepared marinade over the fish, ensuring complete and even coverage of the entire fillet.
6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast at 400F for approximately 20 minutes, monitoring until the fish becomes translucent and easily flakes when tested with a fork.
7. For an optional golden-brown exterior, activate the broiler and cook the fish for an additional 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.

Notes

• Choose thicker cod fillets for a more succulent and moist result, ensuring even cooking throughout the fish.
• Pat the cod completely dry before marinating to help the seasoning adhere better and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your cod fillet, checking for doneness when fish easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque white.
• For a low-carb and gluten-free option, replace all-purpose seasoning with a blend of herbs like thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt to maintain flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 212 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg