Baked Cod with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Name: Baked Cod with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6 oz/170g each), fresh or thawed; 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons); 2 medium lemons; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); Extra lemon wedges for serving; Capers (1-2 tablespoons); Red pepper flakes for heat; Fresh herbs (dill, thyme, or chives)

Hey there! Need a fast and tasty dinner that’s also super healthy? This baked cod with garlic and lemon is just what you’re looking for! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly flaky fish fillets, bursting with fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and flavorful herbs. It’s an easy win for a delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love! 🍋🐟

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This baked cod recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh cod with bright citrus and aromatic garlic for a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. It's not only delicious but also fits into many healthy eating plans, including keto, low-carb, and Mediterranean diets. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients
Instructions
Dietary Benefits
Recipe Variations
Equipment Needed
Storage
Top Tip
FAQ
Ready to Give This a Try? 🐟
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Pairing
Baked Cod with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

4 cod fillets (6 oz each), patted dry
4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for slicing)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Ingredients for baked cod: raw fillets, melted butter, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, two lemons, and chopped parsley on a white surface.

Why these ingredients matter:

The combination of butter and lemon creates a rich, tangy sauce that keeps the cod moist while baking. Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor, while herbs bring brightness to the dish.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray

Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, juice of 1 lemon, and half of the chopped parsley
Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined

Prepare and Season the Fish

Place cod fillets in the prepared baking dish
Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over the fish
Place lemon slices on top of each fillet
Sprinkle with paprika for extra color (if using)

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)
Garnish with remaining fresh parsley before serving

A preheated oven set to 400°F (200°C) with a 9x13-inch baking dish on a white countertop,ready to grease with olive oil.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

A glass bowl with melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley being stirred, surrounded by oregano, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and half of the parsley. Stir in oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Four raw cod fillets in a baking dish being drizzled with garlic lemon butter sauce, topped with lemon slices and paprika.

Step 3: Prepare and Season the Fish
Place the cod fillets in the baking dish. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over them, top with lemon slices, and sprinkle with paprika for extra color.

A close-up of 4 cooked cod fillets in a glass baking dish, topped with garlic butter, herbs, and paprika, with sauce bubbling around them. Oven gloves rest nearby

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Cod :

Choose fresh cod fillets that are firm and smell like the ocean
Pat the fish dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure better butter sauce adhesion
Don't overcook - cod cooks quickly and can become tough if left in the oven too long
Let the fish rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to retain its juices

Dietary Benefits

This baked cod recipe is:

High in protein (21g per serving)
Low in carbohydrates (1g per serving)
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Gluten-free
Keto-friendly
Perfect for Mediterranean diet followers

Recipe Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the baking dish
Herb-Crusted: Mix breadcrumbs with herbs and sprinkle on top before baking
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the butter sauce
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with olive oil or ghee

Equipment Needed

9x13 inch baking dish
Small mixing bowl
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Fish spatula (recommended but not required)

Storage

Reheating: Gently warm in a 275°F oven until just heated through
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Freezer: Not recommended as the texture may change

Top Tip

The key to perfectly baked cod is watching it closely during the final few minutes of cooking. The fish is done when it flakes easily but is still slightly translucent in the very center - it will continue cooking for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

FAQ

How do you know when baked cod is done?

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns from translucent to opaque white. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). When gently pressed, the fish should spring back rather than leave an indentation.

Is cod easy to overcook?

Yes, cod can overcook quickly due to its lean, delicate nature. To prevent this, watch carefully during the last few minutes of baking and remove from the oven as soon as it flakes easily. It's better to slightly undercook than overcook, as the fish will continue cooking for a few minutes after removal.

What does baked cod taste like?

Baked cod has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tender, flaky texture. It's not "fishy" tasting, which makes it perfect for taking on the flavors of garlic, lemon, and herbs. The butter sauce in this recipe adds richness to its naturally light taste.

How many days is baked cod good for?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, baked cod will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For best quality, enjoy it within 24 hours of cooking. Never leave cooked fish at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Ready to Give This a Try? 🐟

This baked cod with garlic and lemon proves that healthy eating can be incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a restaurant-quality fish dinner ready in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a special dinner at home—your family will love it!

Give it a try and let us know in the comments how it turned out! And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next seafood night.

Craving more seafood dishes? Check out our Perfect Grilled Salmon Recipe for another flavorful meal or our Seared Scallops with Butter Lemon Sauce for an elegant treat! 🍽️🔥🐟

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Baked Cod with Garlic and Lemon Recipe: