There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. Imagine a tender, flaky cod fillet infused with the bright zing of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the earthy aroma of fresh herbs. This recipe for baked cod with lemon, garlic, and herbs is perfect for those times when you want to impress your family or guests—or just treat yourself to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines simplicity with sophistication. The natural mildness of cod allows the flavors of lemon and garlic to shine through, while fresh herbs tie everything together beautifully. Even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable and foolproof.
Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs
Let’s start with the essentials. This recipe uses fresh, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and work together to create a balanced, delicious dish.
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cod fillets (skinless) | 4 (6 to 8 ounces each) | About 3/4-inch thick for even cooking |
| Kosher salt | To taste | Enhances natural flavors |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste | Adds a mild spice |
| Olive oil | 4 tablespoons, divided | Use high-quality extra virgin |
| Lemons | 2 medium | One for baking, one for serving |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 4 cloves | Adds warmth and depth |
| Fresh herb sprigs | 4 (rosemary, thyme, or mix) | Choose your favorite aromatic herbs |
| Fresh tender herbs | 1/4 cup, chopped | Parsley, basil, or dill for garnish |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Arrange a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the fish.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a baking dish large enough to fit the cod fillets in a single layer. Tilt the dish to coat the bottom evenly.
Step 3: Add Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs
- Thinly slice 1 1/2 lemons, removing any seeds.
- Arrange the lemon slices in the dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Scatter the sliced garlic and herb sprigs over the lemons.
Step 4: Season the Cod Fillets
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help them brown better.
- Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Lay the cod fillets on top of the lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the fish.
Step 6: Bake the Cod
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is ready when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the cod with the chopped fresh herbs.
- Squeeze the juice from the remaining half lemon over the fish.
Tips for Perfect Baked Cod
- Choose Fresh Cod: Opt for fresh, firm fillets with a mild smell. Frozen cod works too—just thaw it completely before use.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it. Overcooked cod becomes dry and tough.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For accuracy, the internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes to Complement the Cod
- Steamed Asparagus: The freshness of asparagus pairs beautifully with the flavors of lemon and garlic.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the light cod.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf: Add an aromatic, herby twist to your grains for a cohesive meal.
Pairing with Wine
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright, citrusy notes of the dish.
FAQs About Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting the flavors.
2. What other herbs can I use?
While rosemary and thyme are classic choices, you can experiment with oregano, tarragon, or even cilantro for a different flavor profile.
3. How do I know when the cod is cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the lemon, garlic, and herbs ahead of time and assemble the dish right before baking.
5. What can I do with leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the texture.
6. Can I substitute cod with another fish?
Absolutely! Halibut, haddock, or tilapia are excellent alternatives that work well with the same flavor profile.
Conclusion: Bring Restaurant-Quality Cod to Your Kitchen
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create baked cod with lemon, garlic, and herbs that feels like a dish straight out of a fine-dining restaurant. The vibrant flavors of lemon and garlic, combined with the delicate texture of cod, make this a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Why wait? Head to your kitchen, grab those cod fillets, and start cooking this crowd-pleasing recipe today.
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Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs: A Simple and Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Delight in the simplicity of baked cod with lemon, garlic, and herbs. This tender, flaky fish dish is infused with bright citrus, warm garlic, and earthy herb flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 to 8 ounces each) cod fillets, skinless
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 medium lemons, one thinly sliced and one halved
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup fresh tender herbs, chopped (parsley, basil, or dill for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Arrange a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a baking dish large enough to fit the cod fillets in a single layer.
- Tilt the dish to coat the bottom evenly.
- Add Lemon, Garlic, and Herbs:
- Thinly slice 1 1/2 lemons, removing any seeds.
- Arrange the lemon slices in the baking dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
- Scatter the sliced garlic and herb sprigs over the lemon slices.
- Season the Cod Fillets:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help them brown better.
- Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Lay the cod fillets on top of the lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the fish.
- Bake the Cod:
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is ready when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the cod with the chopped fresh herbs.
- Squeeze the juice from the remaining half lemon over the fish.
Notes
- Choose Fresh Cod: Fresh, firm fillets with a mild smell yield the best results. Thaw frozen cod completely before use.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the fish as it cooks quickly. Overcooking can result in dryness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For precision, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
