A simple yet flavorful dish, this baked cod with lemon and garlic is light, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The delicate fish is complemented by a tangy lemon and aromatic garlic, making it a satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s an easy recipe to prepare, and with just a few ingredients, I can enjoy a fresh and delicious meal that’s both nourishing and full of flavor.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon slices for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
Place the cod fillets in the prepared dish.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the lemon and garlic mixture over the cod fillets, ensuring the fish is evenly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store leftover baked cod, I recommend placing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating, as cod can become dry. Alternatively, I can reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but it’s best to cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! While cod is mild and flaky, you can easily swap it out for other white fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If I want to add a bit of heat, I can sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the fish or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lemon and garlic mixture before baking.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, I can substitute dried garlic powder for the minced garlic, though fresh garlic gives the dish a more vibrant flavor. If using garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon should suffice.
Can I bake the cod ahead of time?
While I can bake the cod in advance, it’s best when fresh. If I do bake it ahead of time, I suggest reheating it gently to prevent the fish from becoming dry.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Definitely! I can add vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish before cooking. The lemon and garlic sauce will add extra flavor to the vegetables as well.
Conclusion
This baked cod with lemon and garlic is an easy and flavorful dish that I can rely on for a quick, healthy meal. It’s full of fresh ingredients, with just the right balance of tangy and savory flavors. Perfect for a weeknight or when I want a light, satisfying dinner. The best part is that it’s simple to make, yet feels like a special treat. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with family and friends, it’s always a hit!
Recipe:
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Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple yet flavorful dish, baked cod with lemon and garlic is light, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The delicate fish is complemented by a tangy lemon and aromatic garlic, making it a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the lemon and garlic mixture over the cod fillets, ensuring the fish is evenly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute cod for other white fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
If you want a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the lemon and garlic mixture.
Dried garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic. Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for the substitution.
If you prefer, you can add vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish. They will absorb the lemon and garlic flavors.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid overcooking the cod.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
