Quick & Fresh Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe for Weeknights

Lemon garlic baked cod upgrades a simple seafood dish into a culinary masterpiece that bursts with bright, zesty flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking brings elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Delicate fish fillets absorb tangy citrus and aromatic garlic, creating a harmony of taste that delights the senses.

Quick and straightforward preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknight meals or impressive dinner gatherings.

Healthy protein meets vibrant seasonings in a foolproof technique that guarantees tender, flaky results every single time.

Home cooks can easily elevate their seafood skills with this foolproof method that requires just a few fresh ingredients.

The magic happens when simple components merge, creating a meal that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

What Makes This Baked Cod a Weeknight Hero

• Burst with Vibrant Flavors: The combination of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and warm spices like coriander and cumin creates a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Technique: This recipe teaches a professional searing and baking method that transforms simple cod into a crispy-outside, tender-inside masterpiece that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Champion: From start to finish, this dish takes just 25 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthy Protein with Maximum Excitement: Cod is a lean protein packed with nutrients, and this recipe elevates it with minimal added fats while delivering maximum taste and exciting culinary experience.

Your Lemon Garlic Cod Shopping List

• Cod Fillet Pieces: Fresh, mild-flavored white fish that provides a delicate and flaky texture for the main protein of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley Leaves: Bright, fresh herb that adds a vibrant color and provides a clean, herbaceous flavor to the final presentation.

• Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Butter: Combination creates a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the cod's natural flavors with brightness and depth.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatics that infuse the sauce with a warm, intense flavor and complement the delicate fish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light, crispy exterior and helps the seasoning adhere to the fish.
• Ground Coriander, Sweet Spanish Paprika, Ground Cumin: Warm, complex spice blend that adds depth and subtle complexity to the fish coating.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Bake Cod to Flaky Perfection

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C), getting it ready for a delicious seafood adventure.

Step 2: Create Zesty Lemon Marinade

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Melted butter

Let the flavors mingle while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 3: Craft Flavor-Packed Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Ground coriander
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Mix these spices to create a mouthwatering crust.

Step 4: Dress the Cod

Gently pat the cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dunk each fillet into the lemon marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Roll the fish in the spiced flour mixture, shaking off any extra coating.

Step 5: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated fish into the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.

Step 6: Add Garlic Magic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the remaining lemon marinade. Drizzle this aromatic sauce over the seared fish fillets.

Step 7: Bake to Tender Perfection

Transfer the fish to a baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The fish should flake easily when touched with a fork, revealing its juicy interior.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Scatter fresh parsley leaves over the top. Plate immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation of this delectable dish.

• Use fresh cod for the best flavor
• Don't overcook the fish to maintain its delicate texture
• Pair with a crisp white wine or light salad for a complete meal

Serving Suggestion: Accompanies perfectly with roasted vegetables or a light quinoa salad.

Tips for Better Flavor and Texture

• Select Fresh Cod: Choose high-quality, firm cod fillets with a clean, ocean-like smell to guarantee the best flavor and texture.
• Pat Fish Completely Dry: Remove excess moisture from the cod using paper towels, ensuring a crispy golden coating that adheres perfectly.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat while searing to create a beautiful golden crust without burning the delicate flour coating.
• Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Check cod at the 8-minute mark to prevent overcooking, as fish continues cooking after removal from the oven.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Crush fresh garlic just before adding to the sauce to release maximum aromatic oils and intensify the dish's overall taste profile.

Saving Leftover Cod Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place the fish in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave in short 30-second intervals, checking frequently to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Tasty Sides for Lemon Baked Cod

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the bright, zesty flavors of the lemon garlic cod with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which will enhance the fish's delicate texture and citrusy notes.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Create a light, nutritious side dish using quinoa mixed with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to match the cod's aromatic seasonings and provide a complementary protein-rich base.
• Add Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Roast a colorful mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and oregano to bring a warm, rustic accompaniment that balances the fish's tangy and garlicky profile.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: Offer a refreshing palate cleanser of homemade lemon sorbet that echoes the recipe's citrus undertones and provides a cool, light dessert to complete the meal's Mediterranean-inspired theme.

Flavor Swaps for More Cod Variety

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace coriander and paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a vibrant Mediterranean-style flavor profile. The herbs will infuse the fish with aromatic Mediterranean coastal essence.
• Spicy Cajun Version: Swap the current spice blend with Cajun seasoning, adding cayenne pepper and chili powder. This variation brings a bold, zesty kick to the traditional cod recipe.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Cod: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar and add grated fresh ginger to the sauce. Incorporate soy sauce and sesame oil for an authentic Asian-inspired seafood experience.
• Herb-Crusted Almond Cod: Mix ground almonds into the flour coating for extra crunch and nutty flavor. Sprinkle additional chopped almonds on top before baking to enhance the textural complexity.

Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic baked cod delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with minimal kitchen effort. Fresh fish fillets emerge perfectly seasoned, promising a delightful dinner that connects seafood lovers with simple, elegant coastal cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)
• 0.25 cups (60 milliliters) fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Lemon Sauce and Seasonings:

• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.75 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper

Coating Mix:

• 0.33 cups (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.75 teaspoons sweet Spanish paprika
• 0.75 teaspoons ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal environment for baking delicate cod fillets.
2. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together tangy lemon juice, fragrant extra virgin olive oil, and silky melted butter in a shallow mixing vessel.
3. Develop a complex seasoning blend by combining flour with ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and freshly cracked pepper, creating a aromatic coating that will transform the fish.
4. Carefully pat the cod fillets until completely dry, then immerse each piece into the zesty lemon mixture, ensuring complete coverage before delicately dusting with the spiced flour mixture.
5. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, strategically searing the fish for approximately two minutes per side to achieve a golden, crisp exterior that locks in moisture.
6. Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by infusing the remaining lemon sauce with finely minced garlic, then generously drizzling this aromatic liquid over the perfectly seared fish fillets.
7. Transfer the prepared fish to a baking sheet, allowing the oven’s consistent heat to gently cook the cod until it reaches a delicate, flaky consistency – typically requiring about 10 minutes of careful baking.
8. Present the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing and herbaceous finish that complements the fish’s delicate flavor profile.

Notes

• Baking creates a foolproof method for achieving perfectly tender cod without drying out the delicate fish.
• Searing before baking locks in the incredible flavor and creates a beautifully crispy exterior that elevates the entire dish.
• Coating the fish with seasoned flour and lemon sauce ensures maximum flavor absorption and a delightful golden-brown crust that will impress anyone at the dinner table.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg