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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400F and arrange rack in top third of oven, creating optimal cooking environment for delicate fish.
- 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.
- Layer lemon slices across bottom of baking dish to prevent fish from sticking and infuse additional citrus flavor.
- Gently position cod fillet atop the lemon slices, ensuring even placement within the baking dish.
- Generously brush or pour marinade over fish, ensuring complete and uniform coverage of the entire fillet.
- Transfer baking dish to preheated oven and cook for 20 minutes, monitoring until fish becomes opaque and easily flakes when tested with a fork.
- For enhanced presentation and texture, activate broiler and cook fish for an additional 2 minutes, creating a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- 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