Zesty Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe: Ocean’s Finest

Succulent baked cod with lemon and garlic promises a delightful seafood experience that will awaken your taste buds.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this simple yet elegant dish.

Delicate fish fillets absorb rich, zesty flavors from bright citrus and aromatic garlic.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact in this straightforward recipe.

Fresh herbs and quality produce elevate the entire preparation.

Perfectly cooked cod melts in your mouth, offering a light and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can craft restaurant-quality seafood at home.

Why Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Is A Must-Try

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Zesty marinade with garlic, lemon, and thyme transforms ordinary cod into a restaurant-worthy dish bursting with vibrant taste sensations.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Healthy Protein Paradise: Lean cod delivers high-quality protein, packed with nutrients and incredibly light, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals seeking nutritious meals.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in mere minutes, this baked cod provides a stress-free dinner solution that looks impressive yet requires minimal cooking skills and cleanup.

What You’ll Need For Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish with a delicate, mild flavor that absorbs marinades beautifully.

• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent base to the marinade.
• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds zesty freshness and helps tenderize the fish.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that brings a subtle, warming flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps distribute flavors and promotes a golden exterior.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that adds a pop of color and fresh, clean taste to the final dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Additional citrus garnish that allows diners to customize their citrus intensity.

How To Make Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to create the perfect cooking environment for delicate cod fillets.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod

Gently dry cod fillets using paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior when baking. Place the fillets in a single layer within a glass or ceramic baking dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Finely minced garlic cloves
• Fresh lemon zest
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Step 4: Season the Fish

Drizzle the prepared marinade generously over the cod fillets, ensuring complete and even coverage of the fish.

Step 5: Add Citrus Accents

Slice a lemon into thin rounds and artfully place them on top and around the seasoned fish to enhance the citrusy profile.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork and appears completely opaque.

Step 7: Rest and Settle

Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and flavors to intensify.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked cod for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Add extra lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra citrusy kick.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Present the golden-baked cod, releasing its aromatic and flavorful essence, ready to delight your taste buds with a light and elegant meal.

Top Tips For Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Seal Moisture Perfectly: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve a golden, crisp exterior without excess water interfering with browning.
• Marinade Magic: Combine garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, and herbs thoroughly to create a deeply infused flavor that penetrates the delicate fish.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain 400°F consistently to ensure cod cooks evenly without becoming dry or rubbery during the short baking time.
• Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add a vibrant, fresh layer of flavor and enhance the dish's visual appeal.
• Citrus Boost: Use fresh lemon slices both during cooking and as a final garnish to brighten the fish's natural flavors and provide a zesty touch.

Tasty Twists On Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Mediterranean Fish Feast: Replace cod with sea bass or halibut, adding capers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to enhance Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap thyme with Cajun seasoning, incorporate paprika, cayenne pepper, and green onions for a bold, zesty Creole-inspired dish.
• Herb-Crusted Gluten-Free Option: Use almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs to coat fish, creating a crunchy exterior while maintaining dietary restrictions.
• Asian-Inspired Baked Fish: Substitute lemon with rice vinegar, add ginger, soy sauce, and green onions for a light, umami-rich alternative that complements the delicate fish.

Perfect Pairings For Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic

• Elevate Citrus Cod Harmony
• Pair Crisp White Wine with zesty lemon-infused cod, letting the bright acidity of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the fish's delicate flavor profile.
• Craft Herbal Side Salad by tossing mixed greens with fresh parsley, dill, and a light vinaigrette to echo the dish's herbaceous undertones and provide refreshing contrast.
• Introduce Roasted Garlic Potatoes as a complementary side, using similar seasoning notes of garlic and herbs to create a cohesive culinary experience that enhances the cod's subtle taste.
• Select Mediterranean Accompaniment like a small plate of marinated olives or light Greek salad to mirror the dish's Mediterranean-inspired preparation and add textural complexity.

How To Store Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic The Right Way

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below for maximum 3-4 days. Ensure container is sealed tightly to prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual cod portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cod maintains quality for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place cod in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Use low power setting.

Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic FAQ List

• What makes this cod baking method unique?

This method ensures even cooking and maximum flavor by creating a zesty marinade with garlic, lemon, and herbs that penetrates the fish while keeping it moist during baking.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, completely thaw frozen cod first, pat it dry thoroughly, and ensure it’s at room temperature before marinating to achieve the best texture and even cooking.

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

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque white throughout, typically taking 12-15 minutes in a 400°F oven. The fish should look moist and tender, not dry or rubbery.

Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

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• Total Time: 27-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked cod with lemon and garlic brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to your dinner table. Fresh herbs and zesty citrus create a light, elegant seafood experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic

Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• 0.25 tsp dried thyme

Garnish:

• 1 lemon (for serving)
• 2 sprigs fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal environment for baking the delicate cod fillets to perfection.
2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, ensuring a crisp exterior during baking.
3. Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer within a glass or ceramic baking dish, allowing even heat distribution.
4. Mince the garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic essence for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Zest one lemon and squeeze its juice, combining with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to create a vibrant marinade.
6. Drizzle the prepared marinade generously over the cod fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the zesty, herbaceous mixture.
7. Slice the second lemon into thin rounds, strategically placing them atop and around the seasoned fish for additional citrusy brightness.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
9. Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and intensify the flavors.
10. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle over the baked cod for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous note.
11. Garnish with additional lemon wedges from the third lemon, inviting diners to add extra citrus tang if desired.
12. Serve immediately, presenting the aromatic, golden-baked cod that promises a light, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Ensure cod fillets are patted completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without excess moisture.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality cod with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and flavor profile.
• Customize the marinade by substituting dried thyme with fresh herbs like dill or rosemary for a unique twist.
• Adapt the recipe for low-carb or keto diets by using extra virgin olive oil and avoiding any added sugars in the seasoning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 575 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg