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