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