Zesty Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe for Fish Lovers

When seafood meets zesty lemon and garlic baked cod, magic happens in the kitchen.

This simple yet elegant dish bursts with Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Fresh cod fillets absorb the bright, aromatic notes of garlic and citrus perfectly.

Each bite promises a delicate balance of tender fish and robust seasonings.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Succulent and light, this baked cod will become your new go-to seafood favorite that impresses without demanding hours of preparation.

Storage Details for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the fish is completely cooled before sealing to maintain its delicate texture and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the fish's original flavor and tenderness.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm cod in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave heating, which can make the delicate fish tough and rubbery. Drizzle a little extra herb butter before reheating to restore moisture.
• Meal Prep Tip: Prepare the herb butter mixture up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious coating for the cod when you're ready to cook.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients List for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a silky coating for the fish, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and helps distribute herbs evenly, select extra virgin for best quality.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and tenderizes the fish, fresh squeezed offers the most vibrant taste.

• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic punch, use fresh cloves for maximum flavor intensity.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, green notes and visual appeal, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Thyme: Contributes earthy, subtle herbal undertones, fresh sprigs provide more robust flavor.
• Dill: Offers a delicate, tangy complement to seafood, choose fresh for best taste.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and beautiful color, sweet or smoked varieties work well.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sea salt or kosher salt for clean seasoning.

• Cod Fillets: Mild, flaky white fish that absorbs herb butter beautifully, look for fresh, sustainably sourced options.
• Lemon Slices: Adds citrusy brightness and decorative element, choose firm, bright yellow lemons.

Tools for Making Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

• Baking Dish: Small, ceramic or glass dish perfect for even cooking and serving.
• Mixing Bowl: Small bowl for creating the flavorful herb butter mixture.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring butter, oil, and herbs.
• Fork: Needed to check fish doneness and flaking.
• Sharp Knife: For mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps mix herb butter and spread it evenly on cod.

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Cooking Instructions

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your delicate fish.

• Herbal Butter Magic

Whip together a dreamy blend of butter, olive oil, zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a handful of fresh herbs to create a mouthwatering coating.

• Baking Dish Setup

Spread a thin layer of the herbal mixture across the bottom of your baking dish, ensuring a flavor-packed foundation.

• Fish Arrangement

Gently nestle the cod fillets into the dish, lovingly covering them with the herbal butter. Scatter bright lemon slices around the fish for an extra burst of sunshine.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the dish into the waiting oven and let the magic happen. In about 20 minutes, your fish will transform into a perfectly flaky, golden masterpiece that practically melts in your mouth.

• Serving Delight

Bring the baked cod to the table, letting the aromatic herbs and delicate fish tempt everyone at the dinner table. Optional fresh herbs can add a final touch of elegance to this simple yet spectacular dish.

Tips for Cooking Baked Cod Perfectly

• Fish Freshness Hack: Select cod with firm, translucent flesh and a mild ocean scent to ensure top-quality flavor and texture.
• Herb Butter Magic: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to create unique flavor profiles that complement the delicate cod.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed almonds over the fish before baking for an extra crispy golden topping that adds wonderful texture.
• Quick Protein Swap: Easily replace cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or sea bass while maintaining similar cooking times and technique.
• Low-Carb Serving Suggestion: Pair the baked cod with roasted vegetables or a light Mediterranean salad for a nutritious, protein-packed meal that's both healthy and satisfying.

Serve Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Beautifully

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this delicate cod with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the herb butter's zesty flavors, creating a comforting and luxurious meal.
• Mediterranean Plate Presentation: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to complement the fish's light and refreshing taste profile.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that will enhance the lemon and herb notes of the baked cod, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives over the fish just before serving to add a bright, green pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor.

Succulent Cod with Lemon and Garlic

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering baked cod with lemon and garlic brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Delicate fish marinates in zesty herbs, promising a light and flavorful meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 (8 oz/226 g) cod fillets
• 2 tbsps butter (softened)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• 1/8 tsp dill
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate the oven to 400°F (200°C) for precise cod cooking, creating an ideal thermal environment.
2. Herb Butter Creation: Blend softened butter with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, dill, and salt into a cohesive, aromatic mixture that will elevate the fish’s flavor profile.
3. Baking Dish Setup: Establish a flavor foundation by spreading a thin layer of herbed butter across the baking dish, ensuring fish won’t adhere and introducing complex taste dimensions.
4. Fish Preparation and Baking: Gently position cod fillets in the buttered dish, thoroughly coating with herb butter and artfully arranging lemon slices around the fish. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the fish transforms to a translucent texture and easily separates with a fork.
5. Plating and Presentation: Immediately transfer the golden, herb-encrusted cod to serving plates, optionally garnishing with fresh herb sprinkles to enhance visual appeal and provide a final flavor burst.

Notes

• Optimize Oven Temperature: Precise 400°F ensures cod cooks evenly without drying, preserving delicate fish texture and preventing overcooking.
• Butter Blending Technique: Softened butter helps herbs distribute uniformly, creating a rich, aromatic coating that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Fish Freshness Matters: Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm, translucent flesh to guarantee best taste and ideal flaky consistency.
• Timing is Critical: 20-minute baking window prevents seafood from becoming tough, maintaining moisture and ensuring perfectly cooked, tender fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg