Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug, you’ve come to the right place! This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is one of my absolute favorites. It’s not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it also brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends at a gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

The combination of tender cod fillets with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic creates a delightful experience for your taste buds. Plus, it all comes together in just about 22 minutes! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delightful meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the mild flavor of cod, making it a hit for all ages.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish fits perfectly into any balanced diet.
• Versatile Ingredients: These simple ingredients are likely already in your pantry, so you can whip this up anytime!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the fish ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how simple these ingredients are! Each one adds its own special touch to make this baked cod truly delectable. Gather these wholesome ingredients for an unforgettable meal:

For the Cod

• 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces (4-6 pieces)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the Marinade

• 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 5 garlic cloves (minced)

For the Coating

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this baked cod recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try this recipe with other white fish like tilapia or halibut for a different flavor.
• Add some heat: If you enjoy spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Veggie boost: Layer some thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini beneath the fish while baking to add more veggies to your meal.
• Herb swap: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or dill instead of parsley for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This step ensures that your cod bakes evenly and develops that lovely golden color we all crave.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a shallow bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter. This marinade will infuse your fish with vibrant flavors. Set it aside until later!

Step 3: Mix Your Coating

In another shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour with ground coriander, sweet Spanish paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your cod a delicious crispy coating when baked.

Step 4: Coat the Fish

Pat your cod fillets dry; this helps them sear nicely. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce and then into the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour—this keeps our coating light and crispy!

Step 5: Sear the Fish

In a cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe pan), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add your coated fish fillets and sear them for about two minutes on each side until they’re just starting to turn golden brown. Don’t worry about fully cooking them yet; we’ll finish them off in the oven!

Step 6: Add Garlic Goodness

Take that remaining lemon sauce from earlier and stir in minced garlic before drizzling it generously over your seared fish fillets. This step adds an irresistible aroma that will fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork—this usually takes around 10 minutes but start checking earlier to avoid overcooking. Once done, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over everything for that final touch of freshness before serving!

And there you have it—a wonderfully simple Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic that’s bound to become one of your go-to dishes! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your baked cod turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose Fresh Cod: Fresh fish makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Look for cod that is bright in color and has a mild scent of the sea.

• Pat Your Fish Dry: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a nice sear and prevents steaming during cooking.

• Sear for Flavor: Searing the fish before baking not only adds color but also enhances the overall taste by creating a delicious crust that locks in moisture.

• Check for Doneness Early: Fish can go from perfectly cooked to overdone quickly. Start checking for flakiness at around 8 minutes of baking to ensure you get that tender, flaky texture.

• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs such as dill or thyme into your lemon sauce or garnish. This adds a fresh twist to the classic flavors.

How to Serve Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Presenting your baked cod beautifully will elevate your dining experience! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges not only add a pop of color but also allow diners to squeeze extra citrus over their fish.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or dill right before serving enhances both the visual appeal and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic complements the cod’s flavors while adding a nutritious touch.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich fish.
• Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice makes for a vibrant side that pairs beautifully with baked cod.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs offers a hearty base that balances the meal while soaking up any extra lemony sauce from the fish.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy creating wonderful memories around the dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, or even freeze it for a later date. Here’s how to keep your dish fresh and flavorful!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure that the cod is completely cooled before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze your baked cod, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Label the package with the date for easy identification.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the cod on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use frozen cod for this Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag under cold running water for quicker results.

How do I know when my cod is fully cooked in this Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. It typically takes about 10-12 minutes baking at 400°F (200°C), but always check early to prevent overcooking.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic?

Yes! Feel free to swap out spices or use different herbs based on your taste preferences. Fresh thyme or dill would work wonderfully as alternatives!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is not just a meal; it’s an experience wrapped in vibrant flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean! I hope you enjoy making this dish as much as I do – it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or variations once you’ve tried it. Happy cooking!