Zesty Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe for Seafood Lovers

A perfectly seasoned lemon and garlic cod can elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Seafood lovers appreciate simple yet flavorful dishes that come together quickly.

Fresh fillets become magical when paired with bright citrus and aromatic herbs.

Mediterranean coastal regions inspire this uncomplicated preparation that highlights delicate fish textures.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact in this straightforward recipe.

Home cooks appreciate techniques that showcase natural flavors without complicated steps.

You will savor each tender, flaky bite of this delightful seafood creation.

Enjoy Easy Baked Cod with Zesty Lemon and Garlic

• Sail Through Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can create a restaurant-worthy seafood dish.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Lightning-fast cooking time transforms fresh cod into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing nutritious dinner solutions.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition Boost: Powerful marinade with lemon, garlic, and herbs delivers incredible taste while providing lean protein and omega-3 rich benefits, supporting healthy eating goals without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Serving Superstar: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners, elegant date nights, or impressive dinner parties, complementing various side dishes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients Needed to Prepare Easy Baked Cod

• Cod Fillet: A delicate white fish that offers a mild, clean flavor and flaky texture perfect for baking.

• Olive Oil: Helps to keep the fish moist and provides a smooth, rich base for the marinade.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the fish and help tenderize the protein.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic depth that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

• Parsley, All-Purpose Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt: Creates a balanced blend of herbal, smoky, and savory notes that enhance the cod's natural flavor.
• Lemon Slices: Provides a fragrant base for the fish and prevents sticking to the baking dish.

How to Bake Cod with Lemon and Garlic Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to 400°F and slide the rack to the top third position. Grab a baking dish and create a fragrant bed of lemon slices that will infuse amazing flavor and keep the fish from sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

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

Whisk everything together until the marinade looks smooth and vibrant.

Step 3: Dress and Bake the Cod

Gently place the cod fillet right on top of the lemon slice layer.

Pour the marinade over the fish, using a brush or spoon to ensure every inch gets coated with deliciousness. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

The cod is perfectly done when it flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Optional Golden Crispy Finish

Want an extra touch of delightful texture?

Switch your oven to broil and let the cod get a gorgeous golden top for 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Helpful Tips to Elevate Your Baked Cod

• Layer fresh lemon slices at the bottom of the baking dish to create a natural non-stick surface and add delightful citrus undertones to your cod.
• Brush the marinade generously over the fish to keep the cod tender and prevent it from drying out during baking.
• Test cod's readiness by gently inserting a fork – if it flakes easily and appears opaque white, the fish is perfectly cooked.
• Add extra depth by incorporating fresh herbs like dill or thyme into the marinade for a more complex taste profile.
• Use the broiler for the final 2 minutes to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds textural contrast to the delicate fish.

Flavorful Twists for Easy Baked Cod

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap all-purpose seasoning with Cajun spice blend, add cayenne pepper for extra heat, and garnish with chopped green onions.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Cod: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar, add minced ginger, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro before serving.
• Coconut Curry Cod: Mix coconut milk into the marinade, include curry powder, and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch.

Pairing Ideas to Serve with Baked Cod

• Boost Citrus White Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon and garlic notes in the cod, cutting through the fish's delicate richness.
• Fresh Mediterranean Salad Side: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives to balance the fish's mild flavor and add refreshing textures.
• Herbed Quinoa Accompaniment: Prepare lemon-parsley quinoa as a protein-rich side dish that echoes the herb and citrus elements in the cod's marinade, providing a nutritious and flavorful base.

Best Storage Tips for Easy Baked Cod

Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Warm cod gently at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent drying out and maintain moisture during reheating.

Preheat oven to 275F. Place cod in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent moisture loss. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F.

If cod smells fishy or appears discolored after storage, throw it away immediately. Never consume seafood that looks or smells suspicious to avoid potential foodborne illness.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the cod completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry with paper towels before marinating to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

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

The fish is done when it turns opaque white and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

• What if I don't have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar depth of flavor. The dish will still taste delicious.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free. It’s also low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a versatile option for many dietary needs.

Easy Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon garlic cod brings coastal flavors to your dinner table with simple, fresh ingredients. Crisp, flaky fish fillets seasoned with zesty herbs and bright citrus will transport you to sunny Mediterranean shores in just 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cod fillet (fresh or thawed from frozen)
• 1/2 lemon, juiced + zest
• 2 cloves garlic (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)

Seasonings and Herbs:

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

Cooking Ingredient:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Lemon slices (for baking)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400F and arrange rack in top third of oven, creating optimal cooking environment for delicate fish.
2. Create 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 mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
3. Layer lemon slices across bottom of baking dish to prevent fish from sticking and infuse additional citrus flavor.
4. Gently position cod fillet atop the lemon slices, ensuring even placement within the baking dish.
5. Generously brush or pour marinade over fish, ensuring complete and uniform coverage of the entire fillet.
6. Transfer baking dish to preheated oven and cook for 20 minutes, monitoring until fish becomes opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork.
7. For enhanced presentation and texture, activate broiler and cook fish for an additional 2 minutes, creating a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
8. Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving, allowing flavors to settle and fish to maintain optimal moisture.

Notes

• Pat the cod dry before marinating to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Choose fresh cod with firm, translucent flesh and no strong fishy odor for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust cooking time based on thickness – thinner fillets will cook faster, so check at 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Swap olive oil with avocado or coconut oil for alternative dietary needs or enhanced nutritional profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 313 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg